LINCOLN CITY, Ore. — A Milwaukie man is dead and his alleged killer behind bars after a robbery attempt and fight in a Lincoln City hotel parking lot Tuesday night.
Officers from the Lincoln City Police Department arrived at the Ashley Inn around 8:05 p.m. to find Bradley Jay Cole, 69, lying on the ground, covered in blood and unconscious.
According to court documents, police found two people on scene physically restraining the suspect Roland Evans-Freke, 30. After multiple stun taser deployments, officers stated they detained him, then began to render aid to Cole, who had severe facial trauma.
Despite resuscitation efforts, Cole was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators obtained video from the hotel, which showed Cole walking out of the hotel with his dog. Outside, the footage shows Evans-Freke smoking a cigarette, then approaching Cole.
The two start verbally fighting about Cole's dog, before the fight turns physical, according to officers. Video shows Evans-Freke punching, kicking and kneeing Cole for several minutes before walking away from the scene with his dog. Court documents reveal that the suspect returned twice, and investigators heard what appeared to be further attacks against Cole.
Officers said Evans-Freke later admitted to using physical force against Cole, striking him in order to take his dog. He was booked into the Lincoln County Jail for murder, assault and robbery charges.
Cole's family set up a verified GoFundMe page for his widow, writing how the couple was out celebrating their 37th wedding anniversary on the Oregon Coast.
"(Cole's wife) Debbie was successfully able to secure the dog from the attacker but was shocked to turn around to see her husband lying on the ground unconscious," the GoFundMe recounted. "Debbie and Brad did not deserve this."
The Lincoln City Police Department called the deadly case uncommon and tragic, and told KGW this is the first homicide of 2024. Officers encourage anyone with any information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Weaver at 541-994-3636.
