Destructive Road Rage in Hillsboro and South Oregon Coast Case End Horribly for Dogs

Published 03/26/26 at 7:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Portland, Oregon) – A road rage incident in Hillsboro turned deadly for a dog, while another tragic case on the south Oregon coast involved a dog that had to be euthanized. Authorities in Coos County are looking for tips on that case.

The Coos County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is investigating a case of severe animal neglect after deputies found an abandoned dog along Coos Bay's Trans-Pacific Highway on the morning of March 21, 2026.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the dog was discovered emaciated, infested with fleas and mites, and suffering from conjunctivitis in both eyes. Deputies also determined the animal had been shot multiple times and left for dead at the roadside.

Sheriff’s Office staff attempted to provide medical care, but the dog’s condition was too grave, and it was later euthanized.

Investigators are asking for the public’s help in identifying who may be responsible for abandoning and injuring the animal. Anyone with information is urged to contact Deputy Shawn L. Starr at the Coos County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 404-5408.

Officers from Washington County and the Hillsboro Police Department responded Thursday morning to a reported road-rage incident in which a driver allegedly displayed a firearm and threatened another motorist near NE Cornell Road and NE 25th Avenue.

The incident was reported around 10:40 a.m. After canvassing the area, officers located the suspect vehicle stopped in a residential neighborhood near NE 15th Avenue and NE Sunrise Lane. A passenger attempted to walk away from the vehicle but was detained. Police say the passenger was carrying a firearm and a large quantity of a controlled substance.

While officers were detaining the passenger, the driver fled in the vehicle, leading police on a chase through nearby residential streets. According to investigators, the suspect intentionally crashed through a fence bordering wetlands near NE 13th Avenue and NE Maureen Street, killing a dog inside the yard.

With assistance from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office K-9 team, the Hillsboro Police K-9 team, and the Washington County Remotely Operated Vehicle Team using a drone, officers located the driver / suspect and took him into custody without further incident. Police later recovered a firearm from inside the vehicle after the driver admitted to possessing it.

The driver is facing charges including Animal Abuse I, Criminal Mischief I, Felony Attempt to Elude, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Menacing. The passenger is being charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon and multiple drug-related offenses. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.

“There is no ongoing danger to the public,” the agency said, adding its thanks to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for assisting in the response.

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