Missing Redmond man found near Highway 126

A Redmond man missing in a rural area of Lane County near Highway 126 was found by searchers early Tuesday morning, cold but uninjured, Linn County sheriff’s deputies said.

Shortly before 6:30 p.m. Monday, Central Lane 911 transferred a missing-person call to Linn County dispatchers, said Linn County Undersheriff Jim Yon.

Lyle Ottinger, 27, of Redmond, was reported missing at Olallie Creek Road, near Highway 126, Yon said.

Ottinger and his friend, Edward Mascarenas, 30, also of Redmond, were driving on Olallie Creek Road, about 3/4 of a mile from Hwy. 126, when Mascarenas drove his vehicle off the side of the gravel road and became stuck, the undersheriff said.

Both men walked to Highway 126 to get help, but as it was getting dark, Mascarenas sent Ottinger back to the car to get flashlights. He did not return, Yon said.

Around 7:30 p..m., Linn County Search and Rescue responded to the location and began traveling the road system. looking for Ottinger.

Around 1:40 a.m., SAR members heard someone yelling, and Ottinger was located about four miles up Olallie Creek Road. A tow truck arrived and removed the vehicle.

Ottlinger was cold, but uninjured, and was transported to Sisters, Yon said, adding that alcohol was believed to be a factor.in the incident.