07/22/2026
LINCOLN COUNTY GRAND JURY UNANIMOUS IN ITS DECISION REGARDING DEADLY USE OF PHYSICAL FORCE
On July 21, 2026, a Lincoln County Grand Jury unanimously found that Oregon State Police Lieutenant Joey Pollard and Newport Police Officer Jerimiah Mangum were each justified in their use of deadly physical force against Daniel Noonan, 50, on June 17, 2026.
The Grand Jury convened yesterday to hear testimony, review body worn camera, and examine scene diagrams. The following is a factual summary of the investigation:
On June 11, 2026, Lt. Pollard, Oregon State Police, received reports of a disturbance that had occurred at a fruit stand at the intersection of Highway 229 and Highway 101, Lincoln City, Oregon. Evidence suggested that a male suspect had initially approached the fruit stand, yelled at a Hispanic female operating the stand, before destroying the fruit stand and leaving on an e-bike. The same male suspect then returned shortly after and proceeded to make racially motivated derogatory comments. At one point in the altercation, the male suspect was seen on video strangling a Hispanic male on scene. The male suspect could also be seen carrying a handgun on his right hip during the altercation.
Through a series of investigative means, Lt. Pollard identified the male suspect as Noonan, who was believed to be living in a residence off the Siletz Highway. On June 17, 2026, the Oregon State Police, accompanied by Officer Mangum of the Newport Police Department, responded to Noonan’s residence to arrest Noonan for the crimes of menacing, criminal mischief, assault in the fourth degree, strangulation, and bias crime in the first and second degree. Law enforcement arrived at the property at approximately 3:50 PM. While standing at the top of the path, Lt. Pollard observed Noonan, wearing full camouflage, walking up the path towards Lt. Pollard. It was apparent Noonan had drastically altered his appearance since the fruit stand incident by shaving his head and large beard.
Lt. Pollard asked Noonan if he was Danny. Noonan responded in the affirmative before raising a firearm and opening fire on Lt. Pollard, as well as four other law enforcement officers in Lt. Pollard’s proximity. Lt. Pollard returned fire and Noonan quickly retreated down the path towards his residence. Shortly after, Noonan reappeared again on the path and law enforcement instructed Noonan to show his hands. Noonan responded, “F**k you, f**k you, you N*** lovers” before Noonan fired again. Lt. Pollard and Officer Mangum returned fire but lost view of Noonan.
Lt. Pollard, Officer Mangum, and other members of the Oregon State Police proceeded down the path and located Noonan lying on his back. Noonan had a handgun in his right hand and held the gun to his chest. Noonan was also holding a second handgun in his left hand. Noonan did not respond to commands to drop either weapon but was still breathing. Law enforcement observed what appeared to be a gunshot wound to Noonan’s head and later located a gunshot wound to Noonan’s lower abdomen.
Additional law enforcement responded to the scene and rendered medical aid to Noonan. Noonan was transported to the Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital but was pronounced deceased upon arrival.
The Lincoln County Major Crime Team (MCT) was activated and conducted an investigation into the use of deadly force. Lincoln City Police Department Detective Bud Lane led the investigation. Detectives from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln City Police Department, Newport Police Department, Toledo Police Department, Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office, and Oregon State Police Crime Lab participated in the investigation.
Pursuant to SB 111 protocol, Lt. Pollard and Officer Mangum were both placed on administrative leave pending the investigation. Lt. Pollard has approximately 29 years of police experience, including 26 years as a member of Oregon State Police SWAT. Officer Mangum has approximately 5 years of police experience and is a current member of the Lincoln County Tactical Response Team.
Noonan appeared to live alone. A search of Noonan’s residence revealed Noonan was in possession of a police scanner, additional fi****ms and ammunition, child po*******hy (child s*xual abuse material), a small make-shift s*x doll, as well as children’s underwear.
An autopsy was conducted by State Medical Examiner Dr. Henry McNett on June 18, 2026. Dr. McNett determined Noonan manner of death was a gunshot wound to the head. However, Dr. McNett noted a dark discoloration consistent with soot located at the entrance of the wound, consistent with a “contact” shot. This could be indicative of a self-inflicted wound. Noonan also sustained a gunshot wound to his lower left abdomen.
Noonan had no prior criminal convictions.
The Grand Jury applied the facts of this case to the legal principles dictating circumstances when deadly physical force can be used. Specifically, the Grand Jury found that, under the totality of the
circumstances known to each peace officer, each officer reasonably determined that the use of deadly physical force was necessary as:
• Deadly physical force was necessary to defend a peace officer and/or another person from the use of threatened imminent use of deadly physical force;
• Under the totality of the circumstances existing at the time and place, the use of such force was justified.
The Grand Jury further found that no reasonable alternatives, such as verbal de-escalation, waiting or using other available techniques or resources were reasonable, safe or feasible to either officer at the time they used deadly physical force.
Under Oregon law, a District Attorney or Grand Jury, made up of Lincoln County residents, may make the final decision as to whether or not law enforcement officers were justified in their use of deadly force. This case was presented to the Grand Jury by District Attorney Jenna Wallace. The Grand Jury’s decision required reviewing relevant facts and evidence available and applying them to the legal principles above. The Grand Jury concluded unanimously that the actions of Oregon State Police Lt. Pollard and Newport Police Officer Mangum on June 17, 2026 was justified and lawful.
