On October 1, 2025, Deputy Austin Combs of the Oregon County Sheriff’s Office arrested Eric A. Novelo on an active warrant. Novelo appeared for a court hearing and was taken into custody without incident initially.
During the booking process at approximately 9:07 a.m., Novelo requested to retrieve a phone number from his cellphone, which was granted. While Deputy Combs stepped away momentarily to obtain jail keys, Novelo fled through the back door of the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff Eric King and Deputy Combs pursued Novelo down the courthouse stairs and through the building. Upon reaching the south exit, Novelo was ordered to stop but continued running. Deputy Combs gave verbal commands to stop and get on the ground. Near the old restaurant building, Deputy Combs advised Novelo that a non-lethal JPX pepper ball gun would be deployed, causing Novelo to stumble and fall.
Despite getting back up twice, Novelo was eventually subdued and restrained by Deputy Combs until Sheriff King arrived. He was placed in handcuffs and escorted back to the sheriff’s office.
Novelo faces charges of Escape From Custody in addition to the active warrant. He is being held in jail with a 24-hour hold pending formal charges.
