UPDATED WITH NEW INFORMATION FROM TILLAMOOK COUNTY SHERRIFF’S OFFICE NOV. 18

LINCOLN CITY, Ore. — A Lincoln City police K9 unit assisted Tillamook County Sheriff’s deputies and Oregon State Police in tracking and arresting a Salem man following a two-day manhunt near Cape Lookout State Park, where he allegedly fled from law enforcement, led a vehicle pursuit and is accused of burglary and vandalism at a park yurt.

The manhunt began on Nov. 11, 2025, when 34-year-old Alexander Collin Eaton allegedly fled from deputies during a vehicle pursuit that ended at the Cape Lookout trailhead. Eaton abandoned his vehicle and escaped on foot into the wooded area, prompting an extensive search that extended into the following day.

On Nov. 12, Eaton made his way into Cape Lookout State Park, where he broke into and vandalized a yurt, including defecating in a trash can, according to prior reports from state parks employees. Deputies requested help from Lincoln City officers, and K9 handler and the department’s dog, Nix, responded. The pair was familiar with the area from a call the previous day at the same park.

Nix located Eaton hiding under a log in dense underbrush. Eaton surrendered without incident.

Eaton was booked at Tillamook County Jail on charges including eluding a police officer, reckless endangering, first-degree burglary and first-degree criminal mischief. No injuries were reported during the pursuit or search, though state park property sustained damage.

The Lincoln City Police Department praised its K9 program for enabling another peaceful surrender.

“We have experienced many peaceful surrenders based on the presence of our K9 partners and are pleased to support our neighboring agencies with their hard work,” the department said in a statement.

Officials thanked Lincoln City residents for supporting the K9 unit.

Cape Lookout State Park covers more than 2,300 acres of coastal forest and beaches along Oregon’s coast. The park features hiking trails and yurts for overnight stays but has dense terrain that complicates searches. This remains an active investigation.