On January 24, 2024 at about 2:55 p.m., Newport officers were dispatched to the 300 block of SW Coast Hwy on the report of a physical fight. It was reported that an employee from a business in the area was fighting with a male customer in front of the business, and the customer was armed with a knife. Newport officers were advised it was being reported there may be multiple firearms involved in the fight. Officers arrived on scene and observed a male subject, later identified as 52-year old Matt Eugene Dabney, of Newport, outside the business with two knives in his hands. He was in a heated argument with two store employees from a nearby business, who were armed with firearms.
Dabney was acting erratic and lunging towards the employees with the knives. Officers ordered the employees to move away and lower their weapons. As they did, Dabney began to walk away from the officers. As officers gave commands to Dabney, , he turned towards them with the knives still held out in each hand and began advancing on them. Officers began giving verbal commands, but he continued to advance. A Newport Officer then deployed their Taser and incapacitated Dabney, who was placed into custody. While being taken into custody, Dabney kicked a Newport Police Officer, causing injury. He was placed into the back of a Newport Police vehicle and began kicking the inside of the vehicle. Dabney kicked the doors and inside of the vehicle so hard that he caused extensive damage to the patrol vehicle. Dabney was taken into custody and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail for the following charges;
• Menacing x2
• Attempted Assault 2nd Degree
• Criminal Mischief 1st Degree
• Unlawful use of a Weapon
• Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon
• Assault on a Police Officer
• Disorderly Conduct
The Newport Police Department was assisted at the scene by deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Newport Police thanked the multiple citizens who called in to report seeing the incident as it took place. If you have any information regarding this case, contact Officer Grippin 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 tipline@newportpolice.net.
