This week, Bradley Cole and his wife, Debbie came to Lincoln City to celebrate 37 years of marriage. He was murdered while walking his dog. He died in a motel parking lot with his wife at his side.
Roland Evans-Freke, a transient, was charged with second-degree murder, second-degree assault and second-degree robbery. He is accused of killing Bradley Cole and is being held at the Lincoln County Jail. He is known to Oregon law enforcement.
According to Lincoln City Police they “responded to the Ashley Inn off Hwy. 101 just after 8 p.m. after receiving a report of an assault in the parking lot. Authorities arrived to the scene to find Cole badly injured and unconscious. Medical personnel attempted to resuscitate him, but Cole would later be declared dead. “
Reports have stated that Evans-Freke attempted to steal Cole’s dog. Evans-Freke is alleged to have beaten and kicked Cole to the ground. Reports state that Evans-Freke left the scene for a moment and then returned to continue the beating.
This tragic story has been covered in countless news sources and we have nothing new to add to this story.
However, Lincoln City Homepage received a note about the event asking that it be attached to a previous story about emergency shelters slated to be opened in Lincoln City. Instead of attaching as a comment that might never be seen-we have chosen to attach it to this story. The author did include their name on the original submission but we have chosen to withhold it for now.
The comment is as follows: “Any kind of homeless shelter, whether for mental health, or housing alone, should be rejected by everyone living in Lincoln County. On Tuesday, 5/14/24, a 69 yr. old man was killed in (a motel) parking lot in Lincoln City by a transient. The man was walking his dog outside when the transient man attacked him & stole his dog saying the dog would be better with him! The man died & was lying face down in the parking lot. He & his wife were…celebrating their 37th anniversary!
So, County Commissioners & Housing Authorities & all who would be involved in the decision making process regarding housing the homeless, we say, “No, we don’t want any temporary or permanent housing in Lincoln County!
It is dangerous to people living here & visiting! It will ruin our coastal towns. The crime, drugs, & everything else that comes along with supporting homeless housing will keep people from visiting & diminish quality of life for those that live here! NO TO ANY PROPERTY PURCHASE FOR HOMELESS SHELTER!”
Editorial note: While there has been no connection stated between Evans-Franke and any shelters and Homepage is not implying that there is, it is clear that many residents are either skeptical or outright fearful about the placement of these types of facilities and the types of people it might attract to our city. One may agree or disagree but we believe all voices have a right to be heard when it affects them personally.
There has been much movement to locate homeless and emergency shelters in Lincoln City. One can appreciate the desire to help others but Lincoln City is not Portland or Salem.
In larger cities with higher crime rates it is almost a given that one must be aware of one’s surroundings at all times. However, we do not live in a town where we and those that we invite to visit us must have their heads on a swivel, fearful to walk their dog near a stranger.
On the contrary, we invite people to come here and relax. We invite others here to forget their troubles and enjoy not just a beach, but a vision of a small town where we aren’t fearful of each other-friends or strangers.
Perhaps it is time for the people and agencies involved to pause and consider if their good intentions are a bit misplaced and they have let their hearts (and for some their public profiles) blind them to the realities of the world that so many in a small town such as Lincoln City would prefer to not participate in.
The question must be asked; is Lincoln City the appropriate place for the shelters now in place and still more proposed? Does the introduction of an unstable population of people, with little to no support from state or private agencies into a sleepy coastal community help those in need more than it hurts those forced to host?
It has been said that one can choose their neighbors but one cannot choose their relatives. Well, given the power that the Oregon legislature has given certain groups to force cities to accept homeless shelters, that adage is no longer true.
One can no longer choose their neighbors. Zoning won’t protect you. Your elected local officials can’t protect you.
It seems the only choices remaining are to take a chance with a stranger in a parking lot or don’t visit or live in Lincoln City because nobody will be there looking out for you.
Lincoln City Homepage Community Facebook page has received a gofundme submission from Adam Rasmussen.
News Release- Celebrate State Parks Day with free parking and free RV and tent site camping at all Oregon State Parks June 1 as well as special events at selected parks.
The Joint Committee on Transportation announced a 12-stop Transportation Safety and Sustainability Outreach Tour to hear from Oregonians about how the Legislature can ensure Oregon has a safe, functional, and efficient multimodal transportation system now and for years to come.
Planning to travel on an airline? Best check your ID.
On Wednesday, May 8, the Oregon Coast Economic Summit will be hosted at the Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City for a day of networking, learning, and collaboration. This in-person event will bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to discuss the economic opportunities and challenges facing the Oregon Coast region.
I am writing in support of measure 21–224, which would renew the levy for Oregon Coast Community College.
