Convicted child rapist is captured

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports that at 3:37 p.m. on Thursday, Gary Louis Coomer, 51, of Sweet Home, was arrested on outstanding arrest warrants. 

On January 12, 2024, a jury found Coomer guilty on charges of first-degree sodomy, first-degree rape and first-degree sexual abuse. The judge ordered him released and to return to court on February 15 for sentencing, but when Coomer failed to appear, warrants were issued for his arrest.

Law enforcement officials from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Lebanon Police Department, and Sweet Home Police Department worked together to apprehend Coomer, including surveillance, contacting his known associates and tracking down leads from the public. 

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office located Coomer hiding on a property east of Lebanon. 

Coomer was given commands to surrender to law enforcement, but ignored those commands.  Once a K-9 unit from the Lebanon Police Department arrived on scene, he surrendered peacefully. 

Once Coomer was taken into custody, he complained of medical issues.  Coomer was transported to the Lebanon Community Hospital to be evaluated.  After being cleared he was taken to the Linn County Jail, lodged without bail and is waiting to be sentenced in the Linn County Circuit Court.