Myrtle Point, OR – Residents in a rural Coos County neighborhood were left shaken after a man allegedly went house to house late last month, damaging homes and vehicles while wielding an axe.
According to the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened around 10:40 p.m. on January 20, 2026, when deputies, along with officers from the Coquille Police Department and Myrtle Point Police Department, responded to reports along Arago Fishtrap Road in the Myrtle Point area. Callers reported a man screaming and breaking windows at a residence while holding an axe.
North Coos Dispatch received numerous 911 calls as the suspect allegedly moved through the neighborhood, causing damage to multiple residences and vehicles, authorities said.
Investigators later identified the suspect as William Kite, 48. According to deputies, Kite allegedly used an axe to damage numerous properties before law enforcement located and arrested him. He was transported to the Coos County Jail without further incident.
On January 22, 2026, Thursday, Kite was indicted on multiple charges, including Unlawful Use of a Weapon, three counts of Menacing, and five counts of Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, according to the sheriff’s office. Court records show the charges stem from the alleged property damage and threatening behavior reported by residents that night.
No injuries were reported, but authorities say the incident caused significant property damage across the area. The case remains under review as it moves through the court system.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious or violent behavior immediately by calling 911.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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