Two Violent Attacks on Different Ends of Oregon Coast Included Stabbing in Rockaway Beach

Published 03/23/26 at 6:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Rockaway Beach, Oregon) – Something luckily rather sparse on the Oregon coast: incidents of violence. However, two serious incidents involved such behavior to a criminal degree in the Coos Bay area and then in Tillamook County this weekend. (Photo of Rockaway Beach arrest / TCSO)

Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) said they received a report of a vehicle-on-pedstrian accident in Rockaway Beach which then resulted in a stabbing and a small police chase.

On March 22, 2026, at approximately 1:11 p.m., the TCSO responded to reports of a vehicle–pedestrian collision at the Rockaway Beach Wayside in the center of the Oregon coast town.

According to initial information, a pregnant woman carrying her two-year-old son was walking with her husband when she was struck by a silver Jeep Patriot in the parking area. After the vehicle stopped, the husband confronted the driver. During that exchange, a male passenger exited the Jeep and stabbed the husband in the back before getting back into the vehicle. The Jeep then fled the scene.

A few blocks away, the vehicle stopped and the female driver returned to the area on foot, where she cooperated with deputies. Investigators later learned the male suspect fled on foot and attempted to evade capture by changing his clothing. Thanks to a rapid and coordinated response, deputies located the suspect shortly afterward and took him into custody without further incident.

The pregnant woman and her child sustained injuries but are expected to recover. The husband was transported to a local hospital for treatment of a stab wound and is also expected to recover.

The suspect, a 25-year-old man, was booked into the Tillamook County Jail on the following charges:

- Assault in the First Degree (ORS 163.185)
- Menacing (ORS 163.190)
- Unlawful Use of a Weapon (ORS 166.220)
- Disorderly Conduct (ORS 166.025)

“This incident escalated quickly and had the potential to result in far more serious injuries,” Sheriff Josh Brown said. “I am proud of the swift response by our deputies and thankful for the assistance from the citizens who were present and helped provide information during the incident.”

The case has been forwarded to the Tillamook County District Attorney’s Office for review.

Another arrest happened about 24 hours earlier on the south Oregon coast.

On March 21 at 9:48 a.m., deputies from the Coos County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to Cape Arago Highway after receiving reports of a man threatening people recreating in the area. An investigation led to the arrest of 47-year-old Jerry A. Loreman of Coos Bay on charges of Menacing and Disorderly Conduct. Loreman was transported to the Coos County Jail. Crash and Threat Arrests on South Oregon Coast - Distracted Driving Targeted in April - Coos County sheriffs were busy this week; distracted driving blitz soon

The sheriff’s office noted that police action is not indicative of guilt and that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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