Corvallis Police Arrest Assault Suspect Following Investigation
June 29, 2026 - On Tuesday, June 22, 2026, at approximately 1:15 a.m., Corvallis Police officers responded to the 100-block of SW Avery Avenue after receiving a report of an assault.
The investigation determined that 45-year-old James Allen Burke, a Corvallis resident with no fixed address, assaulted Terry Blaine Herbert following a dispute involving a woman Burke had previously been in a relationship with. During the confrontation, Burke allegedly threatened Herbert by stating, "You're a dead man," before striking him multiple times in the head with a large flashlight. Herbert was able to partially block the blows with his hands but sustained injuries in the assault.
A witness intervened in an attempt to stop the assault before Burke fled the area prior to officers' arrival. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate Burke that morning.
Herbert was evaluated at the scene by Corvallis Fire Department paramedics and was not transported to the hospital.
On Thursday, June 24, 2026, Burke was taken into custody when he arrived for a scheduled meeting at the Law Enforcement Center.
Burke was lodged at the Benton County Jail on the following charges:
- ORS 163.175 Assault in the Second Degree
- ORS 163.190 Menacing
- ORS 166.220 Unlawful Use of a Weapon
- ORS 166.025 Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree
