On Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at approximately 11:15 a.m. Newport Police Chief Mark Miranda and Oregon State Police Lieutenant Gregg Hastings held a media briefing at the Waldport Community Learning Center to update information related to the investigation and search for suspect DAVID ANTHONY DURHAM, age 43, related to the Sunday night shooting of Lincoln City Police Officer Steven B. Dodds. The following information was reviewed during the briefing:
- As of Tuesday morning, Officer Dodds is in critical but stable condition at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. Family and friends who have been able to visit him are very encouraged by his responsiveness and awareness to their presence. They report that he is fighting very hard.
- Approximately 50 law enforcement officers are involved in Tuesday’s search in the Waldport area. During the day, officers will continue to respond to tips of suspicious circumstances and tips in the search for DAVID ANTHONY DURHAM. Overnight, officers continued checking door-to-door including vacant homes for signs of possible entry. The Oregon State Police SWAT team replaced the Salem Police Department’s team.
- Monday afternoon investigators announced DAVID ANTHONY DURHAM, age 43, from northwest Portland, as the suspect who shot Officer Dodds. DURHAM is the registered owner of the vehicle stopped by Dodds. He is described as a white male, 6’3″, 160 – 185 pounds, with long brown hair and blue eyes. A NEW PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN OF DURHAM IN 2010 IS BEING RELEASED TO MEDIA. Note that DURHAM is reported to still have long hair as seen in the 2007 DMV photograph.
- DURHAM is considered armed and dangerous. He is believed to be accompanied by his dog named “Huckleberry”, a salt-and-pepper colored Blue Heeler Australian Cattle dog weighing about 40 pounds. A photograph of the dog was released Monday to media.
- The Waldport Citizens Volunteer Patrol will be starting to hand out an information flyer in the area with photographs and information regarding the search for DURHAM.
- During Monday’s search, area residents were allowed back to their homes by mid-day. Access off Highway 101 in the north Waldport area continues to be restricted by law enforcement. Area residents are asked to continue reporting any suspicious activity or concerns to police, including reports of barking dogs or unknown or suspicious persons. Area residents and travelers are reminded to not pick up any hitchhikers or any strangers asking for a ride.
- Investigators ask area residents to check for any missing boats or vehicles. If missing, please contact the non-emergency line listed below.
- Waldport area residents should expect to continue to see a heavy police presence in their community. The search is expected to continue until the suspect is found and taken into custody.
- Anyone who sees someone matching the description of DURHAM should immediately call Lincoln County 9-1-1. Anyone with non-emergent information related to this investigation or about DURHAM should call their non-emergency line at (541) 265-4231.
