Oregon Man Arrested After Forest Campsite Found Polluting Creek and Housing Six Neglected Dogs
COOS COUNTY, Ore. — An illegal campsite in the Elliott State Forest led to the arrest of a man and the removal of six neglected dogs late last Wednesday morning.
A deputy from the Coos County Sheriff’s Office responded to a complaint about an illegal campsite at Marlow Creek, inside the state forest.
On arrival, the deputy found that the number of campers exceeded the maximum limit. He also found that the campsite was badly littered and that there were six dogs at the location.
Between 30 and 40 Garbage Bags Had Been Thrown Next to the Marlow Creek
The deputy discovered between 30 and 40 garbage bags thrown behind a camper van, next to Marlow Creek.
The law enforcement officer recorded a putrid smell, which he believed was a mixture of sewage and gray water leaking from underneath the camper.
There was also a large amount of fecal matter lying around the trailer.
Further investigation revealed that some of the dogs appeared injured and neglected. Animal Control was summoned to the site and removed all six of the animals.
- 11:15 a.m. : deputy responds to Marlow Creek campsite complaint.
- On scene : excessive campers, trash, sewage odor, and fecal matter are found.
- Later : Animal Control removes six dogs after neglect concerns.
- Wednesday : Graves is arrested / Patterson is later sought on the same charge.
The deputy placed Zackary E. Graves (27) under arrest, and he was transported to the Coos County Jail, where he was charged with placing offensive substances in a waterway.
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Jennifer L. Patterson (45), another campsite dweller, who was not present when the deputy visited the site. She is also facing a charge of placing offensive substances in a waterway.