Media Board

Recent media releases from the Benton County Sheriff's Office are listed below. To read past media releases, go to the "Supporting Documents" section of this web page.

29th Annual Shop with a Cop

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is hosting its 29th Annual Shop with a Cop this holiday season. This highly anticipated event aims to bring together law enforcement and social workers to create an opportunity for children to create a positive interaction between children and law enforcement.

Through collaborative efforts with local agencies including Benton County Sheriff’s Office Parole and Probation and the Child Welfare offices of the Department of Human Services, a select group of elementary-aged children have been preselected to participate in this unique experience.

Last year’s event was a resounding success, as law enforcement had the privilege of taking 65 Benton County kids shopping for gifts, surpassing the 2021 participation of 49 children.

Each participant will receive a gift card, allowing them the freedom to choose their own presents. It is worth mentioning, many generous public safety professionals contribute from their own pockets the day of shopping to ensure a child can purchase exactly what they desire.

Shop with a Cop is made possible solely through donations from dedicated law enforcement personnel and community members. Financial contributions are accepted throughout the year and BCSO welcomes any support you can provide. Tax-deductible cash or checks can be made payable to “The Benton County Sheriff’s Foundation” with a memo indicating “Shop with a Cop.” Donations can be dropped off at or mailed to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, located at 180 NW 5th St. Corvallis, OR 97330.

BCSO extends its sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported this program in the past and looks forward to another successful year in bringing joy and positive interactions between law enforcement and children in the community.

Scheduled Test of the Linn-Benton ALERT Emergency Notification System

Benton County Sheriff's Office would like to announce a test of the Linn-Benton ALERT system on Saturday, November 4th, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.

The test will cover all of Benton County. All traditional land phone lines in the 9-1-1 database will receive the message. Those who have registered other devices with Linn-Benton ALERT will also receive the test message. Recipients will be given the option to confirm receipt of the message on each phone or device.

The Linn-Benton ALERT Emergency Notification System is a mass notification system that allows public safety officials to provide rapid notifications to Linn and Benton County residents of emergencies, evacuations, and other urgent events.

There will be no reason to call the Sheriff’s Office once you receive the message; please do not dial 9-1-1.

Residents can sign up for the Linn-Benton ALERT system as well as learn about emergency preparedness at https://co.benton.or.us/preparedness/page/emergency-alert. After signing up for the alerts you will receive all emergency-related notifications related to your location.

For questions on the mass notification system, email emergencymanagement@bentoncountyor.gov or call 541-766-6864.

Benton County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Death on Courthouse Lawn

On October 4, 2023 at approximately 11:00 am, the Benton County Sheriff's Office responded to a call regarding a possibly deceased man near NW 5th Street/NW Monroe Avenue, Corvallis.

The call was made by a concerned individual who noticed a middle-aged man sitting on a bench near the southwest corner of the courthouse lawn that was unresponsive.

Upon arrival, deputies confirmed that 44-year-old Brian Warzinik, a transient male, was deceased.
Investigators are working to determine the cause of death. At this time, there is no immediate threat to public safety associated with this incident. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

BCSO asks the public to contact Deputy Savage at brigg.savage@bentoncountyor.gov or 541-230-8829 for any information you may have regarding the death of Warzinik.

Benton County House Fire Reveals Dead Body

On October 2, 2023, the Benton County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) was called to a scene in NW Corvallis to conduct a death investigation involving a house fire.

At approximately 12:00 pm, BCSO responded to a residence located in the 3200 block of NW 60th Street, Corvallis, following a request from fire personnel present at the scene.

During their efforts to suppress the fire, firefighters from the Corvallis Fire Department discovered a deceased male inside the structure. They promptly evacuated the lone individual from the residence.

Upon assuming jurisdiction of the case, BCSO determined that the deceased individual, identified as 73-year-old Steven Payne, died of an apparent suicide.

This case remains under investigation; there is no threat to the public related to this incident. Further updates will be provided under the direction of the Benton County District Attorney's Office.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Horn at brian.horn@bentoncountyor.gov or 541-760-4640.

The Benton County Sheriff's Office extends its gratitude to the Corvallis Fire Department, Corvallis Police Department, Benton County Public Works, Consumers Power Inc, and Northwest Natural Gas for their assistance during this incident.