Albany Area Crime Spree Ends in Multiple Arrests

Albany, Oregon– In a coordinated effort involving concerned citizens and multiple law enforcement agencies, Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports the arrest of Devon Emra, 31, of Eugene, for a crime spree that unfolded on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

The incident commenced at approximately 3:30 p.m. when the Albany Police Department responded to a theft in progress at a business on Goldfish Farm Road SE in Albany. The suspect, later identified as Devon Emra, had fled the scene in a U-Haul rental truck before officers arrived. The U-Haul was subsequently located in a parking lot on Spicer Drive in Albany.

An attempt to contact the U-Haul’s occupants by an Albany Police Department Officer led to a pursuit after the vehicle fled the parking lot. Concerned citizens promptly alerted law enforcement agencies, with at least one citizen tracking the U-Haul until it stopped on Santiam Highway, near Spicer Drive in Lebanon.

Devon Emra, accompanied by Savannah Morris, 30, of Eugene, exited the U-Haul at this location. Emra, displaying a brazen act, approached stopped vehicles and forcibly took a red 2022 Toyota Sienna van from a citizen who initially offered assistance. Both Emra and Morris fled in the stolen van before law enforcement’s arrival.

A subsequent pursuit ensued, with concerned citizens providing crucial information and maintaining visual contact until law enforcement could intervene. The chase culminated in a crash at the intersection of Coburg Road and Crescent Avenue in Eugene, resulting in multiple vehicle crashes and damage to private and public property.

Devon Emra was apprehended and is now lodged in the Linn County Jail, facing charges of Robbery in the First Degree, Attempt to Elude a Police Officer, and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. Savannah Morris was also arrested and lodged for an outstanding arrest warrant.

Sheriff Duncan emphasized that additional charges may be filed as the investigation progresses. Witnesses to the events on Santiam Highway near Spicer Drive, or those with video footage, are urged to contact Detective Caleb Riley at (541) 967-3950.

Law enforcement agencies involved in the operation include Albany Police Department, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Springfield Police Department, Eugene Police Department, and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office.