About 2:55 p.m. Jan. 24, Newport officers were dispatched to the 300 block of SW Coast Hwy on the report of a physical fight. It was reported that an employee from Newport Pawn was fighting with a male customer in front of the business, and the customer was armed with a knife. Newport officers were advised it was being reported there may be multiple firearms involved in the fight.
Officers arrived on scene and observed a man later identified as Matt E. Dabney, 52, of Newport, outside the business with two knives in his hands. Dabney was in a heated argument with two store employees who were armed with firearms. Dabney was acting erratic and lunging towards the employees with the knives. Officers ordered the employees to move away and lower their weapons. As they did, Dabney began to walk away from the officers. As officers gave commands to Dabney, he turned towards them with the knives still held out in each hand, and began advancing on them. Officers, began giving verbal commands, but Dabney continued to advance. A Newport Officer then deployed their Taser and incapacitated Dabney and he was placed into custody.
While being taken into custody, Dabney kicked a Newport officer causing injury. Dabney was placed into the back of a Newport police vehicle and began kicking the inside of it so hard that he caused extensive damage to it.
Dabney was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on the following charges;
- Menacing x2
- Attempted Assault 2
- Criminal Mischief 1
- Unlawful use of a Weapon
- Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon
- Assault on a Police Officer
- Disorderly Conduct
The Newport Police Department was assisted at the scene by deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
Thank you to the multiple citizens who called in to report seeing the incident as it took place. If you have any information regarding this case, contact Officer Grippin of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.
