Newport, OR – Jacob Earl Busch, a 41-year-old man from Klamath Falls, Oregon, was arrested in Newport last week after allegedly body-slamming a 74-year-old protester to the ground outside Newport City Hall. Witness accounts and video footage indicate that Busch’s actions resulted in serious injuries to the victim, who required hospitalization.
Busch was arraigned on Monday, June 9, at 1:12 p.m. in Room 305 of the Lincoln County Courthouse. The arraignment was overseen by Judge Sheryl Bouchart, and Busch was represented by court-appointed attorney Matthew Martin. He pleaded not guilty to the current charge of assault in the fourth degree.
According to witnesses and video from the scene, Busch stopped his vehicle in the middle of traffic to confront a group of peaceful demonstrators on the sidewalk. Social media posts allege that Busch claimed his wife—a military veteran—was offended by signs being displayed at the protest. However, the protester who was assaulted was reportedly holding a Ukrainian flag at the time. The person believed to be his wife allegedly began the altercation by exiting the vehicle first and being verbally confrontational, and a minor child was reportedly present in their vehicle. After the incident, the vehicle fled the scene but was later located and stopped in Waldport, Oregon. During the arraignment, Judge Bouchart issued a no-contact order to protect the victim.
Lincoln County Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Thornicroft confirmed after the hearing that Busch has a lengthy criminal history. Court records show prior convictions for multiple assaults, methamphetamine-related charges, numerous driving violations, escape, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. In 2021, Busch received two separate 24-month prison sentences in Linn County, each with an additional 24 months of post-prison supervision. Though the sentences pertained to separate charges, it remains unclear whether they were served concurrently or consecutively. Information provided during the arraignment further reveals that Busch has been arrested 23 times across two states.
Given Busch’s extensive criminal history, the District Attorney’s office has requested the court consider these prior offenses during any bail considerations. Prosecutors also suggested that more serious charges may be filed as the investigation progresses.
The victim in the case, a military veteran himself, spoke to the District Attorney expressing pride in defending the constitutional right to free speech.
“Even if I personally disagree with what others choose to say, I am proud to have upheld this country’s constitutional rights—and I will continue to do so,” he said.
He was not able to attend the arraignment due to ongoing health issues directly related to the case, but provided a statement to the DA expressing concern for his personal safety, and that of the community, if Busch was allowed to be released. Busch remains in custody as the legal proceedings continue pending $75,000.00 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 7 at 8:30 a.m.
