The City of Sutherlin is asking the public for information regarding the theft of a historic steam whistle that was cut from the city’s 1921 Cooke Oil-Fired Steam Locomotive on September 15, 2026.
An investigation into the theft lead officers to a suspect who resides in California. An arrest warrant for, the Redding California resident, 18-year-old Brenden Miller was issued along with a search warrant for his home.
Sutherlin police officers traveled to Redding, California, and, with the assistance of the Redding Police Department, contacted Brenden Miller at his residence. Miller was ultimately taken into custody and lodged on charges of Theft in the First Degree and Criminal Mischief in the First Degree.
Unfortunately, the whistle was not recovered at the residence and no information was given to law enforcement to help determine the known whereabouts of the whistle.
The Sutherlin Police Department is asking the public for information regarding the theft of a historic steam whistle or its whereabouts. The Whistle is a Star Brass steam whistle, which was cut from the locomotive while it was on display in Central Park, Sutherlin’s largest city park.
The locomotive is an important piece of Sutherlin and Douglas County history. The 1921 Cooke locomotive represents the type of steam engine used during the region’s logging era to haul logs and timber products from the Cascade Mountains above Sutherlin. The logging and timber industries played a significant role in shaping Sutherlin and communities throughout Douglas County.
The locomotive is part of a historic display that also includes a coal car and an original caboose that once traveled through Sutherlin and Douglas County. Together, the three pieces serve as a public monument recognizing the people, industries and transportation systems that helped shape the community.
The removal of the whistle is not simply the loss of a piece of equipment. It is the loss of an artifact connected to the history of Sutherlin and the region’s logging heritage.
The City is asking anyone who may have information about the theft, the whereabouts of the whistle, or anyone who may have seen suspicious activity around the locomotive on or around September 15 to contact local law enforcement. Information about individuals attempting to sell, purchase or otherwise dispose of the distinctive five-chime whistle may also be relevant to the investigation.
Members of the public are encouraged not to confront or approach anyone they believe may be involved. Instead, please provide information to law enforcement so it can be properly investigated.
Even seemingly minor details may be helpful. Anyone who witnessed activity around the locomotive, observed a vehicle or individuals in the area, has surveillance or doorbell-camera footage, or has information about the whistle’s current location is encouraged to come forward.
The City hopes the stolen whistle can be recovered and returned to its historic place on the locomotive, where it can once again be part of the public display and serve as a reminder of Sutherlin’s logging and railroad heritage.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sutherlin Police Department at 541-459-2211 or Douglas County Dispatch Center at 541-440-4471.
