DHS Employee Arrested After Attempting To Burn Avery Building In Newport

On Monday, April 6, 2026, a woman was seen buying gasoline at a Circle K in Newport and then pouring it all over the Avery Building on NE Avery Street. This building is home to several government offices, including the Oregon Department of Human Services. When the police arrived, they found 45-year old Bridgette Sherman, from Eugene, standing near a 2-gallon gas can. The gas was all over the building and the sidewalk. They noticed a cigarette next to the can that was soaked in gasoline, but thankfully, it hadn’t ignited anything.

The building was empty at the time, so there was no damage. Once she was taken into custody, the officers found out that Sherman works for the Oregon Department of Human Services. She was booked into the Lincoln County Jail on charges of Attempted Arson in the First Degree. Newport police got help from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Newport Fire Department. The investigation is still ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to Officer Jack Grippin at the Newport Police Department or use their tip line, which is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net