Lane County K9 Locates Trespasser; Felon Arrested With Gun, Meth

Lane County Sheriff’s deputies say a predawn trespass call on Highway 99 north of Eugene led to the arrest of two Eugene residents and the recovery of a firearm and drugs.

"A report of two trespassers on a large business property" prompted deputies to respond to the 90800 block of Highway 99 at about 4:30 a.m. on February 1, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office news release said. Deputies initially contacted a man in a vehicle, later identified as 37-year-old Ryan Howard Pruett of Eugene, but could not immediately determine his involvement in the trespass.

K9 Tito was deployed to search the property. "K9 Tito was deployed, and despite the pouring rain he quickly led deputies to a cluster of cars on the property and alerted. Deputies announced themselves, and the person hiding, Olivia Mae Johnston, 35, of Eugene, was detained," the news release said.

After additional investigation into the scene, deputies determined Pruett was connected to the trespass. During a vehicle search, deputies located a pistol, ammunition and methamphetamine. "During the search of the vehicle, deputies located ammunition and methamphetamine in addition to the pistol," the release states.

Olivia Mae Johnston was arrested for Trespass in the 2nd Degree and lodged at the Lane County Jail. Ryan Howard Pruett was arrested and lodged for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of Methamphetamine - Misdemeanor, according to the sheriff’s office.

The use of K9 Tito in heavy rain underscores the sheriff’s office reliance on canine units to locate hidden suspects on sprawling commercial properties along the Highway 99 corridor. For residents and business owners north of Eugene, the incident highlights the risks that trespassing can bring - including the potential presence of weapons and illegal drugs - and the resources local law enforcement deploys in response.

The sheriff’s office released a photo with its news release. Officials have not released further details about the identity of the business whose property was trespassed upon, whether the vehicle searched was registered to Pruett, or the timing and paperwork related to the vehicle search. Those specifics and any court proceedings will be matters for upcoming public records and filings.

For Lane County residents, the episode is a reminder that calls about trespassing can reveal more serious public-safety concerns. Neighbors and business managers should report suspicious activity to law enforcement; the sheriff’s office and Lane County Jail records will provide formal charge and booking information as the cases move through the local court system.