January 4, 2024 Update: According to a news release from the Coos Bay Police Department, a North Bend man has been arrested on murder charges in connection to the homicide of William Averill. The Coos Bay Police Department carried out a search warrant at a residence off North Bay Road in North Bend around 10:30 a.m. on January 4. The Oregon State Police, Coos County Emergency Response Team, Coos County Major Crimes Team, Douglas County Emergency Response Team, and South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team assisted.

The execution of the search warrant led to the arrest of 30-year-old Kelton Dickens who is being held on charges of murder in the second degree.

December 15, 2023 UPDATE: Jason Lynn Crouch has been ruled out as a person of interest in the William Averill homicide.

UPDATE: The Coos Bay Police Department has developed a person of interest in this case. Investigators are looking for 47-year-old Jason Lynn Crouch, who has ties to the Portland area. Please contact CBPD at 541-269-8911.

 

The Coos Bay Police Department has identified the victim of a homicide. A social media post from the Coos Bay Police Department identifies the victim as 56-year-old William Averill of Coos Bay. Authorities say the vehicle belonging to Mr. Averill has not been located. The vehicle is described as a silver 2003 Dodge Dakota pickup with Oregon license plate ZJM817.

The Coos Bay Police Department asks anyone who sees the vehicle not to approach it. Call 911 or local law enforcement immediately. CBPD is also looking for the occupants of a dark-colored SUV who flagged down a passing motorist to request help regarding this case.

The North Coos 911 Center received a call regarding a man who had been found with a gunshot wound near Umpqua Dairy at 2640 Ocean Boulevard around 6:24 AM on December 12, 2023. CBPD officers responded to the scene where they found the victim deceased.

Authorities believe this is an isolated criminal act. There is no evidence to suggest there is any danger to the public.