Newport Oregon Police Department

09/01/2026

Too soon?

In three more weeks, it will officially be fall—or autumn, if you prefer. One month from today will be National Pumpkin Spice Day. The leaves will be changing, temperatures are cooling, Halloween is creeping closer (yes, we said the H word on the first of September), fireplaces will soon be crackling, and millions of otherwise reasonable adults are once again paying extra to have nearly everything in their lives smell or taste like pumpkin spice.

Pumpkin spice lattes. Pumpkin spice candles. Pumpkin spice cookies. Pumpkin spice cereal. Pumpkin spice body wash. At this point, we're probably only a few years away from pumpkin spice motor oil.

And that can only mean one thing: It's time for one of our favorite fall traditions.

Each year, as fall arrives, we like to make sure we're offering our clientele the finest seasonal accommodations possible while in transport. After all, just because you're riding with us doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy a few luxurious amenities along the way.

Our patrol vehicles already offer an impressive array of premium features:
Private chauffeured transportation — Your driver is a trained professional, and tipping is neither required nor accepted.
Exclusive rear seating — Durable, easy-to-clean molded seating carefully engineered without all that unnecessary cushioning found in lesser luxury vehicles.
Generous legroom — Generous being a relative term.
Climate control — Your chauffeur may even adjust the temperature upon request.
Privacy partition — Because every premium passenger deserves a little separation from the hired staff.
Childproof rear doors — No need to trouble yourself with opening the door when you arrive. Your chauffeur will personally assist you.
Tinted windows — Perfect for the discerning traveler who would rather not be recognized by friends, neighbors, coworkers or their mother.
Complimentary safety restraints — Professionally fitted before departure at no additional charge.
• No complicated navigation decisions — Sit back and relax. Your destination has already been selected for you.

But each fall, we feel our passengers deserve just a little something extra.

So, in keeping with tradition, we bring in the season by outfitting our patrol vehicles with Pumpkin Spice air fresheners.

Picture this: You climb into the back seat after what may not have been your finest decision of the evening. Your personal uniformed chauffeur closes the door. You settle into the contoured, virtually stain-proof accommodations and begin quietly reviewing the chain of events that brought you to this particular transportation arrangement.

And then... you notice it.

Pumpkin spice! That delicate redolence of a little dangling scented faux tree fills the passenger compartment, transporting you emotionally, if not legally, away from the molded plastic seat and security partition to happier memories of colorful leaves, cozy sweaters, warm scarves, pumpkin patches and crackling fires. It's practically aromatherapy.

We can't promise the scent will make the trip shorter, change your destination, improve the comfort of your complimentary restraints, or convince your driver to make an unscheduled stop at one of the local coffee establishments.

But at least the car will smell festive. And who knows? Maybe someday we can convince the jail staff to embrace the full autumn hospitality experience. A freshly baked pumpkin spice cookie upon arrival? A warm pumpkin spice latte during booking? Perhaps a tiny cinnamon stick artfully arranged beside the fingerprint scanner? A complimentary robe and slippers?

Okay. Probably not. It’s just our little way of welcoming fall and adding some seasonal cheer to the ride.

Happy fall, everyone! Enjoy the changing leaves, cooler days, cozy evenings, and all the pumpkin spice you can handle. And wherever autumn takes you, travel safely. We hope to see you out enjoying the season with family and friends rather than doing crimey stuff resulting in a ride with us.

08/18/2026

Congratulations to Sgt. Mike Leake!

EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER

Sergeant Mike Leake began his career with the City of Newport as a Police Officer in 2016. Since that time, Sergeant Leake has become a known and respected member of this department, as well as the community he serves. He often exceeds the expectations of the department, has a great work ethic and an exceptional ability to build positive working relationships with members of our department and external partners.

This year our department hit a critically low point in staffing. Sergeant Leake stepped up and worked several of his days off, as well as adjusted his schedule when needed to meet the needs of the department. In addition to his patrol duties, Sergeant Leake oversees the department’s fleet management. He has excelled at keeping our fleet assignments organized and our fleet running and up to date. He has also stepped up to assist with leading the FTEP team and training recruits. He completes any task assigned quickly and efficiently and looks for ways to improve his own abilities. Sergeant Leake approaches every assignment with professionalism and efficiency. He completes tasks promptly, looks for opportunities to improve Department operations. Sergeant Mike Leake's dedication, leadership, work ethic, and commitment to the Newport Police Department exemplify the qualities we expect from our employees. His contributions during a particularly challenging period have made a meaningful difference to the Department and the community.

Sergeant Leake is a valued member of the Newport Police Department and has earned this recognition of Employee of the Quarter.

[Sgt. Leake being presented with the Employee of the Quarter Award by Chief Malloy.]

08/17/2026

People usually associate the phrase “I want to speak with your supervisor” with phone calls to customer service, banks, or insurance companies, and in retail stores, restaurants, etc. Patrol officers hear some version of it regularly during traffic stops and other routine encounters. Body cam videos online show the pattern again and again: someone disagrees with a citation, doesn’t like what an officer is telling them, or refuses to cooperate until a sergeant arrives.

People can certainly ask for a supervisor. But are officers required to provide one simply because someone demands it? In most circumstances, no. There is no general constitutional or federal right requiring a police supervisor to respond to the scene upon request. Likewise, NPD policy does not require an officer to summon a supervisor simply because someone demands to speak with one. Whether a supervisor is needed is generally left to the officer’s discretion and the circumstances of the encounter. Policy, not a person’s demand, determines when supervisor notification or response is required.

Supervisors may respond to a scene on their own for any number of reasons. For example, to provide backup, because the incident is becoming more complex, or simply because they are nearby and want to check on the situation. A request for a supervisor may also signal that an encounter is becoming contentious. In those circumstances, an officer may decide that having a sergeant present would be helpful, but that is different from being required to summon one simply because someone asks.

The important distinction is simple: you may ask for a supervisor, but asking does not automatically require an officer to summon one. A request for a supervisor also does not give you the right to delay or refuse to comply with an officer’s lawful commands while you wait. Depending on the circumstances and applicable state law, refusing to comply with lawful commands could result in additional enforcement action, including an obstruction charge.

[Video clip courtesy of Fridays with Frank]

08/13/2026

Here is another scam that has appeared in many FB community groups, usually posted by someone who has just joined the group. This image has been used in multiple groups across the country with a link to a form to fill out in Google docs. Beware of employment posts that do not list the name of the employer, where the job is located, what the job duties entail, etc. Do not fill out forms online that ask for your personal information if you cannot verify the employer.

08/13/2026

If you receive a text from Apple Pay with a message like this, it’s a scam.

“Apple Pay has found a payment originating from a device awaiting clearance. A device with incomplete verifications was used to submit a [dollar amount] request in Cupertino, CA. processing has been paused as a result, and the payment will stay pending until the necessary identity check is cleared. Clearance case [number]. Did you authorize the payment made through this device? If yes, nothing further is expected from you. We'll complete the remaining clearance and resume processing automatically. If you did not authorize it, contact 877-389-**** [or other phone number] promptly. We’ll examine the activity and help protect your account. For billing assistance, call [same number as the previous number mentioned].”

First, know that Apple does not text or call users about suspicious activity or unauthorized charges on Apple Pay. Any text message claiming to be an Apple Pay fraud alert with a phone number to call or a link to click is a phishing scam.

The sense of urgency to contact them is the tactic used to cause your panic. Telling you that the charge will automatically go through if you do not call them right away is their scare tactic to get you on the phone so they can begin the process of asking questions to gain your personal information.

Examine the wording in the text. It isn’t how Apple normally communicates. Phrases such as device awaiting clearance, incomplete verifications, necessary identity check is cleared, and processing has been paused sound deliberately technical and official, but they don’t resemble Apple’s normal terminology for Apple Pay transactions. Did you also notice the contradiction? The text clearly states processing has been paused but then states if you authorized the payment (but doesn’t explain HOW you authorized it), nothing further is expected of you and they will complete the transaction automatically.

So, what should you do? Never call the number, reply to the text or click any links. If you have Apply Pay, open the Wallet app on your device to review your actual Apple Pay and Apple Cash transaction history, or use Apple’s official support channels. If there is an actual issue with a credit or debit card linked to Apple Pay, contact your bank – not Apple – and your bank will handle the fraud protection and alerts. If you wish, you may also take a screenshot of the fraudulent message and email it to [email protected]. Then block the number that sent you the original text.

08/12/2026

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting Shred Day on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Lincoln County Courthouse parking lot (225 W. Olive Street, Newport, OR 97365).

This free event open to the public can help reduce the risk of identity theft and financial fraud. Community members are welcome to bring their personal paper documents or media containing sensitive information such as files, canceled checks, CDs, or DVDs, medical records or bills, etc. and they’ll be securely shredded on-site by an iSecure truck.

There’s no limit on how much you can bring, but keep in mind that once the truck is full, no additional materials can be accepted. Please note that this event is intended for personal use, not large quantities from businesses or government offices.

If you have questions about the event, call 541-265-4912.

08/11/2026

Thank you for your participation in the 2026 National Night Out!

Our event was a tremendous success, and your participation and generosity played an important role in making it possible. The strong sense of community spirit was evident throughout the evening, and together, we had the opportunity to serve an estimated 1,313 people!

We truly appreciate your time, support, and commitment to our community. Events like this would not be possible without wonderful community partners like you.

We look forward to seeing you again next year for National Night Out on August 3, 2027!

With appreciation,
Chief Malloy and The National Night Out Team

More photos to come.

08/10/2026

Incident: Attempt to Elude and Reckless Driving

Location: NW 6th Street & N Hwy 101, Newport

On August 9, 2026, at around 0040 hours, Newport Police arrested SHATAHA RAE BEGGS, 19, of Siletz, after she attempted to elude police in her vehicle. The event started when a Newport Officer observed a 2000 Toyota Camry with no license plates traveling through Newport at a high rate of speed. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle and as they did, the vehicle failed to yield and continued driving. The vehicle turned eastbound on Hwy 20, running through a red light at the intersection at a high rate of speed. Newport officers and deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office pursued the vehicle eastbound on Hwy 20 towards Toledo as the vehicle reached speeds around 90 MPH and was passing slower moving vehicles.

An Officer from the Toledo Police Department responded to assist and effectively deployed spike strips near the Hwy 20/Business Hwy 20 West Junction, disabling the front passenger tire of the suspect vehicle. The vehicle continued driving into the city of Toledo, even as one of their tires deflated. The vehicle ultimately was disabled and came to a stop on SE Butler Bridge near SE East Slope, and Beggs and two other occupants of the vehicle were detained.

Officers observed evidence that Beggs was impaired. Officers located a usable quantity of co***ne and a loaded handgun concealed underneath the driver’s seat.

Beggs was arrested at the scene and lodged in Lincoln County for the following charges:

SHATAHA RAE BEGGS, 19

• Reckless Driving
• Recklessly Endangering Another Person
• Attempting to Elude Police Officer (Felony)
• Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants
• Unlawful Possession of Firearm
• Unlawful Possession of Co***ne

The incident remains under investigation. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Officer Mangum of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or [email protected].

Information released by: Sgt. Bales, 541-574-3348

08/04/2026

08/04/2026

Just a few more hours until National Night Out begins at 5 p.m. You don't want to miss it! Lots of freebies including BBQ hot dogs and hamburgers; lots of vendors and demonstrations; meet our K9s Sly and Tommy, and their partners; lots of fun activities for adults and kiddos too! Come to the Newport Recreation Center at 225 SE Avery Street from 5-8 p.m.