Astoria, OR – A Depoe Bay motel owner was fatally shot Thursday morning, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement, which led to the arrest of the suspect after a dramatic chase.
At approximately 10:20 a.m., the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunshots at the Four Winds Inn, located at 356 N. Highway 101. Upon arrival, deputies discovered 44-year-old Sarabjit Singh, the motel’s owner, deceased from multiple gunshot wounds.
Investigators quickly identified 29-year-old Brennon Michael Neal of Depoe Bay as the suspect. According to authorities, Neal fled the scene in a dark gray sedan shortly after the shooting.
About an hour later, a sergeant with the Toledo Police Department spotted the suspect’s vehicle traveling on Highway 20. Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but Neal refused to pull over, sparking a high-speed pursuit that lasted for approximately 35 miles.
The chase ended when law enforcement deployed spike strips, deflating the suspect’s tires. Neal continued driving for several more miles on the damaged tires before Oregon State Police were able to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Neal, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was taken into custody without further incident. He is currently being held in connection with the shooting, though authorities have not released information regarding the motive behind the attack.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to piece together the events that led to Singh’s death. No further details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting have been disclosed at this time.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.