Man convicted of child sex crimes captured in Linn County after police search

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Law enforcement in Linn County announced that a convicted child rapist, who authorities were searching for last week, has been captured.

According to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, 51-year-old Gary Coomer, of Sweet Home, was scheduled for sentencing one week ago. When he failed to appear, warrants were issued for his arrest.

Investigators said Coomer was found on a property east of Lebanon. He was transported to a hospital and will next be taken to Linn County Jail, officials said.

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On Jan. 12, a jury found Coomer guilty on charges of first-degree sodomy, first-degree rape and two counts of first-degree sexual abuse. Coomer was released and ordered to reappear in court on Feb. 15 for sentencing but never showed up.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office had worked with the Lebanon Police Department and the Sweet Home Police Department to apprehend Coomer, eventually tracking him down using leads gathered from surveillance and talking to his known associates, officials said.

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The sheriff’s office said Coomer initially ignored law enforcement commands to surrender once they found him at the property. However, once the Lebanon Police Department and a K-9 unit arrived and gave commands, he finally turned himself in peacefully.

Coomer complained of medical issues once he was in custody, with authorities transporting him to Lebanon Community Hospital for evaluation. He will be lodged at the Linn County Jail to await sentencing once he’s medically cleared.

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