On Sunday, November 10, 2024, at approximately 7:40pm, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of shots fired from a home on SE Rolph Court, in Waldport. Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputy Benjamin Cloud was first on the scene and took up an observation position south of the residence. While waiting for additional officers to respond, a subject, identified as 38-year old Virginia L. Morris exited the residence with a firearm and was ultimately shot by Deputy Cloud. Deputies immediately rendered medical aid and the Morris was later pronounced deceased while being transported by ambulance to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport.
Morris' Next of kin have been notified. Morris's firearm was recovered from the scene. No other individuals were harmed during this event. Pursuant to Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office policy, Deputy Cloud has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation into the use of deadly force. Deputy Cloud has been employed with the Sheriff’s Office for 11 years. The investigation into this incident is being conducted by members of the Lincoln County Major Crime Team with the Lincoln City Police Department assuming the lead investigator role. Assisting in the investigation are detectives from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Newport Police Department, Toledo Police Department and Oregon State Police.
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