Skamania County Sheriff

Underwood Area Plagued By Vehicle Prowls Over Mother’s Day Weekend

Steve — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:35 +0000

The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office is investigating reports of several vehicle prowls that occurred over this last weekend. Thus far, the reported vehicle prowls occurred on Orchard Lane and School House Road in Underwood. All of the vehicles were unlocked.

“We encourage our citizens to ensure they lock their vehicles at night and not leave any valuables in them” said Undersheriff Dave Cox. “We are requesting anyone that may have information about these vehicle prowls, or that may have seen anything suspicious during the evening or early morning hours this weekend, to call our office”.

The business number for the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office is 509-427-9490.

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Thank you for your assistance

Dave Cox
Undersheriff
Skamania County Sheriff’s Office
509-427-9490
Email: davec@co.skamania.wa.us

3 Teens Hurt In Vehicle Collision

Steve — Tue, 15 May 2012 03:58:29 +0000

3 teenage girls were injured in a one vehicle collision off Red Bluff Road north of Stevenson late Saturday night. Two of the girls received serious injuries. Kaylie Gaylord, 18, of Sweet Home, OR was transported by ambulance to Peace Health Southwest in Vancouver and a 17 year old female from Stevenson was transported by private vehicle to Hood River. Ericka Essex, 18, of Carson, who was also transported by private vehicle to Hood River, received minor injuries

Their vehicle was located approximately 100 feet over an embankment near the BPA powerlines. Cause of the collision is under investigation by the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office.

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Thank you for your assistance

Dave Cox
Undersheriff
Skamania County Sheriff’s Office
509-427-9490
Email: davec@co.skamania.wa.us

Deputies Prevent Suicidal Man From Jumping Off Bridge Of Gods

Steve — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:36:17 +0000

At approximately 9:30 this morning, Deputies from Skamania County and Hood River County responded to the area of the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks from a report from Portland Police Department of a suicidal subject heading to the bridge to jump. Hood River County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Rick Princehouse and Skamania County Sgt Jay Johnston responded to the bridge and located the suspect’s vehicle heading towards the Washington side of the river.

Upon stopping the vehicle, the individual jumped out of his vehicle and ran to the guardrail and started to jump. Sgt Johnston grabbed him and pulled him back to the vehicle, and Princehouse and Johnston placed him into custody.

“Sgt Johnston and Deputy Princehouse did an outstanding job this morning” stated Chief Criminal Deputy Pat Bond. “Their quick actions prevented a man from taking his own life, and started the process for him to get access to the resources he needs to assist him in the future”.

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Thank you for your assistance

Dave Cox
Undersheriff
Skamania County Sheriff’s Office
509-427-9490
Email: davec@co.skamania.wa.us

Father And Daughter Rescued From Columbia River

Steve — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:01:43 +0000

At approximately 11:15 am Sunday, May 6^th, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a canoe that had capsized in the Columbia River, just off the Stevenson, WA shore. Stevenson residents Les Hastings, 73 and his daughter Melissa Pearce, 32 encountered very rough conditions with high winds, and their canoe capsized. Skamania County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Washington Wildlife agents, the Skamania County Dive Team, and Skamania County EMS personnel responded to the scene.

Deputy Mike Hepner contacted a boat in the area belonging to Ron Shoemaker of Washougal. They were able to get to the capsized canoe, but due to the rough water and high winds, were unable to get Hastings and Pearce aboard. Using their boat, they were able to push the canoe close enough to shore for rescuers to pull Pearce and Hastings from the frigid waters. Both suffered from hypothermia, were warmed by Skamania County EMS, and released. Pearce and Hastings were both wearing personal flotation devices.

“We were very fortunate today that this was not more serious” said Sergeant Arne Gonser. “The water temperature continues to be very cold this time of year and hypothermia can set in very quickly.”

“The quick actions of Deputy Hepner and Mr Shoemaker, the other responders, and the fact that both Pearce and Hastings were wearing life jackets allowed us to have a positive outcome from this event,” said Undersheriff Dave Cox. “We continue to encourage our citizens to wear their personal flotation devices whenever they are recreating on our waterways. On behalf of our community, our thanks go out to all involved with this rescue.

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Respectfully,

Dave Cox
Undersheriff
Skamania County Sheriff’s Office
509-427-9490
Email: davec@co.skamania.wa.us

National Prescription Drug Take Back Results

Steve — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:40:59 +0000

On April 28th 2012, the National Prescription Drug Take Back Program was conducted. The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all of those who participated in making it a success. Below are the results of the amount of drugs received on that day and years prior here in Skamania County.

Medication Take-Back Results

Date: Public Other: Daily Totals:

09/25/10 15.1 40 55.1 lbs

04/30/11 54 39.5 93.5 lbs

10/29/11 20 0 20 lbs

04/28/12 45 38 83 lbs

Grand Totals: 134.1 117.5 251.6 lbs

Sheriff’s Office Implements Social Media Sites

Steve — Wed, 02 May 2012 23:35:22 +0000

This week the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office rolled out new Social Media sites on Twitter and Facebook. Twitter will be used to notify individuals of current information and emergency events impacting the County area. Facebook will be utilized to inform the public of current Sheriff’s Office issues and events.

“We are excited to be able to provide additional venues where the public can receive information on law enforcement related activities in their local communities”, said Undersheriff Dave Cox. “We encourage the public to “follow” our Twitter page and “friend” our Facebook page to stay current on unfolding events with the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office”.

Our Twitter name is @SkamaniaSheriff

The Sheriff’s Office has a webpage as well. It can be located at www.skamaniasheriff.com.

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Thank you for your assistance

Dave Cox
Undersheriff
Skamania County Sheriff’s Office
509-427-9490
Email: davec@co.skamania.wa.us

3 Arrested After Attempted ATM Theft

Steve — Tue, 01 May 2012 18:07:05 +0000

Three Clark County residents have been incarcerated in the Skamania County Jail after attempting to steal an ATM machine from the LaCamas Community Credit Union in Stevenson early this morning. 24 year old Christopher Hewitt of Vancouver, 21 year old Benjamin Milam of Battleground, and 22 year old Malanyon Giles of Battleground, were arrested for Malicious Mischief in the First Degree and Attempted Theft in the First Degree.

At approximately 3:30 am, Skamania County Deputies responded to an unknown cellular caller advising 3 people were attempting to break into the ATM machine located at the LaCamas Community Credit Union on First Street in Stevenson. Deputies noticed the suspect vehicle leaving the area west on Highway 14 as they responded to the scene. A notification was sent to Washougal Police Department, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and the Washington State Patrol to attempt to locate and stop the vehicle.

Washougal Police officers subsequently stopped the vehicle at the east side of Washougal, just off Highway 14 on Gibson Road, and detained the 3 suspects until Skamania County Deputies could arrive. Bank officials were able to acquire video that positively identified the three suspects attempting to remove the ATM machine.

“We were very fortunate this morning to have one of our citizens concerned enough about their community to call in this incident,” said Undersheriff Dave Cox. “Their commitment to their community, the cooperation from Credit Union officials, along with the excellent law enforcement work of Skamania County Deputies Shultz, Manning, Garcia and the officers of the Washougal Police Department has brought a positive conclusion to this case. It was a definite team effort for all involved.”

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David L. Cox
Undersheriff
Skamania County Sheriff’s Office
509-427-9490

Taco Feed To Benefit Explorer Program

Steve — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:57:26 +0000

The Skamania County Sheriff’s Explorer Program is hosting a Taco Feed and Bingo Night this Saturday, April 28th. The Fundraiser will be held at the Carson Elementary School Cafeteria, and will be offering Tacos for a dollar. Tacos will be served at 5pm and Bingo will begin at 6pm.

Prizes for the Bingo games were donated by local businesses, such as the Skamania Lodge, Columbia Hardware, Carson General Store, A&J Select and Papa Murphy’s. Bring your friends and family and prepare to have fun.

Skamania County Jail Seeking Proposals For Inmate Telephone System

Steve — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:57:48 +0000

The Skamania County Jail is seeking proposals for a new inmate telephone system. For a description of requirements click on the below link :

2012 Jail Phone Request For Proposal

Honor Guard To Hold Fundraiser

Steve — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:41:05 +0000

The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard will be conducting a fundraiser on May 18th. The Honor Guard will be hosting a Spaghetti Feed at the Hegewald Center located in Stevenson, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. There will be a Raffle and Silent Auction as well, to assist the Honor Guard in raising much needed money to provide uniforms for incoming officers. Money raised will allow the Honor Guard to participate in local public events, Educational events and Law Enforcement presentations, as well as enable them to represent Skamania County at memorial services for fallen officers. The cost of the dinner is $5.00, which will include Spaghetti, salad, french bread, and drinks.

Anyone wishing to make a donation for the raffle or auction can contact Jennifer Purkeypyle at 509-427-9490 or email at jpurkey@co.skamania.wa.us