On January 15 at about 1:45 am Newport Officers responded to a report of a vehicle that had crashed into the entrance of McKays Market located at 107 N Coast Hwy. Officers arrived on scene and contacted the driver of the involved vehicle, identified as 32-year old Juan Jose Torres Juarez of Newport. Officers interviewed Juarez who told them he had driven his vehicle into the building on purpose to get the attention of the Police. Juarez told Officers he needed somewhere to stay.
While speaking with Juarez, Officers observed signs of impairment and started a DUII investigation. Juarez was transported to the Lincoln County Jail to continue the DUII investigation. Officers determined the impairment was due to drugs and requested a Drug Recognition Expert Officer to respond and further the investigation. Juarez subsequently failed the Field Sobriety Test and he was logged at the Lincoln County Jail for DUII, Criminal Mischief in the 1st Degree and Reckless Driving.
McKays Market was closed at the time and there were no employees in the building. Damage to the building was limited to the south entrance / exit area. The Newport Police Department wants to remind our citizens to continue to report suspicious activities. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net. If you have any information regarding this case, contact Officer Werner of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348.
