Incident at Sam Case Elementary in Newport: Threatening Man Arrested with Airsoft Pistol

Newport, OR. – Official Release:  January 24^th, 2025, at around 1500 hours, the Newport Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Sam Case Elementary School on the report of a male subject who had a firearm and was acting threatening. The subject, identified as TIMOTHY BOTTORFF, was located walking east bound on NE Eads, near NE 7^th street. BOTTORFF was immediately contacted and found to be in the possession of an airsoft pistol that looked identical to a real firearm. Investigation revealed that BOTTORFF was yelling angrily, making aggressive body movements, and had his replica handgun openly displayed as he approached the eastern doors of Sam Case Elementary. Parents who were in the area to pickup their children reported the incident, and the school was immediately locked down.

During the investigation, BOTTORFF attempted to flee police on foot. BOTTORFF was quickly taken to the ground and arrested. While fleeing, BOTTORFF attempted to throw a meth pipe and a bag of methamphetamine.

BOTTORFF was arrested and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail for the following charges:

TIMOTHY AARON BOTTORFF, 48

• Disorderly Conduct II
• Menacing
• Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine
• Tampering with Evidence
• Escape III
• Resisting Arrest

The Newport Police Department would like to thank the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during this incident.

The incident remains under investigation.  If you have any information regarding this case, contact Officer Cullivan 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.