On Feb. 12, shortly after noon, the Corvallis Police Department responded to a report of a burglary on SW 7th St.
A male suspect, later identified as Garrett Caspino of Albany and Corvallis, had broken into a residence and attacked a woman as she showered, pulling his pants down in what is assumed to be an attempt at sexual assault. As the woman tried to escape, Caspino allegedly strangled her with both hands against a bathroom wall.
Another person in the home was awoken by the noise and confronted the assailant, who ran from the home.
Corvallis officers canvassed the neighborhood and located a man who matched the description of the intruder, were able to confirm that he was the suspect, and arrested Caspino. It was later revealed that CPD had arrested Caspino twice during the day of Feb. 12 – first for Criminal Trespass after having entered an unlocked car, then again for Criminal Trespass for hiding in the Law Enforcement Center’s restricted parking area. Neither crime was sufficient to allow for booking and lodging Caspino in the jail.
After his second arrest, Caspino was transported to the area of NW Monroe and NW 6th to allow him access to local service providers.
Following his third arrest, Caspino was brought to the Benton County Jail. He is being held on charges of burglary in the first degree, menacing, strangulation, coercion, harassment, and attempted sexual abuse in the first degree.
A request to the CPD for records concerning Caspino’s previous arrest record was pending at the time of this report.
UPDATE:
After speaking to Lt. Ryan Eaton of the Corvallis Police Department, we found that Garrett Caspino has a criminal record, although not for any crimes of violence in the Corvallis area. He is also not currently on probation.
Caspino was originally release from custody near the police department, but chose to remain on the property and was charge for the second time with trespassing. Therefore, when he was released the second time, he was dropped off near services to offer him the option to find help.
Concerning the fact that this suspect was not lodged at the Benton County Jail, Eaton said, “We’re just consumers of the jail services.” Including that the suspect did not meet the requirements to be housed at the Benton County Jail at the time of his two prior arrests on Feb. 12.
A request for comment from the Sheriff’s office is pending.
UPDATE:
Benton County Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall said that the Benton County Jail is only able to immediately house someone arrested for Class A or B Felonies such as domestic violence, stalking violations, or first degree assault. As Caspino had not been violent in his two previous arrests on the morning of Feb. 12, he was not deemed a risk.
The jail has only 40 beds. Although Benton County has access to beds in Wasco County and Polk County – as well as space in Linn County under emergency situations.
Due to the pandemic, access to the Oregon State Hospital for prisoners in need of psychiatric help has been difficult to come by, meaning if someone displays behavior that is concerning they might have to stay in the Benton County facility which may require additional space and personnel.
By Sally K Lehman
Do you have a story for The Advocate? Email editor@corvallisadvocate.com