February 16, 2025 2:50 p.m.
A months-long investigation in northern Douglas County has concluded with the successful recovery of numerous stolen vehicles and property, as well as multiple arrests.
Undersheriff Brad O’Dell of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation, which focused on a large-scale chop shop operation, involved deputies working to track down stolen vehicles and property.
O’Dell said reports indicated that stolen vehicles were being transported to a residence in the 200 block of Lower Crest Road in Yoncalla, where they were disassembled as part of an organized operation. Deputies launched the investigation, which culminated in the execution of a search warrant on January 15th.
O’Dell said during the search, deputies recovered 10 stolen vehicles, along with property that belonged to the Oregon Department of Transportation.
O’Dell said as the investigation progressed, additional stolen vehicles and equipment were identified. On February 8th, deputies returned to the Lower Crest Road residence, where they uncovered a stolen Sure Clean Northwest power washer buried on the property. The investigation then expanded to Lane County, where a stolen 1956 Porsche was recovered in Eugene. Further inquiries took deputies to Sweet Home, where they recovered a stolen 2024 Husqvarna 300 dirt bike and a 1995 Jeep CJ5.
O’Dell said the investigation resulted in several arrests including:
28-year-old Junior Victor Cullison of Yoncalla was charged with 9 counts of possession of a stolen vehicle, 12 counts of trafficking a vehicle with an altered VIN, 6 counts of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, second-degree criminal mischief, theft by receiving, failure to obtain a vehicle VIN, and aggravated first-degree theft -motor vehicle parts/accessories.
45-year-old Travis McKown of Yoncalla was charged with 2 counts of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and trafficking a vehicle with an altered PIN.
42-year-old William Spain Jr. of Eugene was charged with 4 counts each of possession of a stolen vehicle, trafficking a vehicle with an altered PIN, first-degree criminal mischief, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle along with aggravated first-degree theft-motor vehicle parts and accessories.
All three has since been released from custody.
O’Dell said deputies believe additional arrests may occur as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information that could assist with the ongoing investigation is encouraged to contact DCSO at 440-4471.
DCSO was assisted by the Lane County and Linn County sheriff’s offices and the Sweet Home Police Department.