Newport Police News Releases

 

NPD MEDIA RELEASE             05/15/08 1:45 a.m.     

 

Incident:                   Disturbance                                         Case: 08N-01654

 

Location:                  1435 N. Coast Hwy. Newport

 

Date/Time:               5-14-08 @ 2:30 p.m..

 

Victim:                      Robert Gannon, 52 years old, Lebanon, Oregon

 

Suspect:                   Ron Laine, 37 years old, Seattle Washington

 

Details:                     On Wednesday, 5-14-08, Newport Police Officers responded to a reported fight in progress in the Burger King parking lot.  While enroute to the call officers were advised that suspects left the area south bound on HWY 101 in a white Dodge Sprinter van.  Officers passed the van, which was in the center turn lane south bound on HWY 101 at the NE 6^th St intersection, and conducted a traffic stop on the van.  The driver and another person were detained while officers investigated. 

 

Witnesses told the officers that the driver of the van, Ron Laine, was stopped on NW 14^th street waiting to turn onto Hwy 101. His vehicle was approached by an intoxicated male, Robert Gannon, who was walking on the sidewalk approaching the intersection. Officers learned that Gannon began verbally arguing with Laine, claiming Laine was too far into the crosswalk and needed to back up.  Worried about the safety of his vehicle, Laine exited the van to confront Gannon.  Gannon then began to push Laine and yell at him further.  Laine attempted to return to his vehicle, but Gannon continued to push him.  In an effort to get him to leave him alone, Laine finally punched Gannon, and due partially to Gannon’s intoxication, rendered him unconscious.  Laine then left the scene and was contacted by officers.

 

Gannon was taken to SPCH were he was treated for minor injuries.  Laine and his passenger were released at the scene and did not wish to pursue harassment charges.  No arrest was made.

 

Information Released By:  Lt. Dave Teem, 541.574.0637