Man arrested after attempted break-ins

A Newport man was arrested by police at around 6:45 p.m. on Monday, June 10, after he had attempted to enter multiple homes and vehicles in the area of Northwest 55th Street in Newport.

Officers with the Newport Police Department responded to the area after receiving a report that a man was seen trying to break into a residence. As officers were responding to the area, an additional caller reported seeing a man in their back yard and said he tried to enter their home through the back door. The man fled on foot and then attempted to make entry into a third home in the area, according to a press release issued by police. That homeowner said the suspect was unsuccessful in entering the home and left on foot, last being seen entering the woods near Northeast 57th Street.

Newport officers, along with personnel from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police, converged on the area, but were unable to locate the suspect.

While conducting follow-up interviews with homeowners in the area, officers learned the man was hiding in a vehicle on Northeast 57th Street. They responded to that area and located a vehicle with an open door. After a brief standoff, the man surrendered and was taken into custody without incident. He was identified as Brandon Allen Lyons, 49, of Newport.

During their subsequent investigation, officers learned from an employee of Coast Towing, which is located in the area, that Lyons had entered a tow truck, started it up and put it in gear. However, Lyons was unable to disengage the air brakes and was chased off by an employee at the business.

Lyons was transported to the Lincoln County Jail and lodged on charges of second-degree criminal trespass (three counts), unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, attempting to commit unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, and second-degree disorderly conduct.

The incident remains under investigation.