Newport man arrested for felony hit and run

On Wednesday, April 17, at around 9 p.m., officers from the Newport Police Department were alerted to a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian in the Walmart parking lot. Prior to officers arriving, the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle.

According to the police investigation, Larry Janz II, 44, of Newport, was intentionally following the victim, who was known to Janz, in his vehicle. The victim, who was also operating a vehicle, pulled into the Walmart parking lot, stopped in a lane of travel, and got out of their vehicle. Janz then sideswiped the victim’s vehicle, striking and injuring the victim in the process. The victim, a 38-year-old Newport resident, suffered injuries severe enough to be later transported via helicopter to a hospital outside of Lincoln County. Janz fled the scene without rendering aide or exchanging information, as required by law, according to a Newport Police Department press release.

Janz was later located at his residence and taken into custody without incident. He was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on a charge of failing to perform the duties of driver to injured persons, a class C felony.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Mangum at 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.

Newport officers were assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Newport Fire Department and Pacific West Ambulance.