DATE: November 18, 2008 1210 hrs

SUBJECT(S): Sheriff's Detectives Make Arrest in Tacoma man’s death
______________________________________________________________________

Skamania County Sheriff’s Detectives have arrested a Camas, WA man in connection with the November 1, 2008 fatal shooting of a 30 year old Tacoma WA man, Juan Rojas Cortez.

The shooting took place in the Skookum Meadows area of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest .  An Evergreen School District  teacher, Craig A Sjoberg, 55 yeas of age, from Camas, WA was arrested on suspicion of First Degree Manslaughter and is currently being held in the Skamania County jail pending arraignment.  After an extensive investigation, and with the assistance from local media coverage and the public response, Detectives were able to develop probable cause for the arrest of Sjoberg.

Sjoberg is scheduled for a preliminary appearance in Skamania County Superior Court on Thursday, November 20^th.  The time had not yet been set.

A photo of Sjoberg is below.

Thank you for your continued assistance.

Dave Cox
Undersheriff
509-427-9490 - Office
360-772-6352 - Cell

DATE: November 5, 2008 1300 hrs

SUBJECT(S): Sheriff Detectives release additional information in Tacoma man’s death
______________________________________________________________________

Skamania County Sheriff’s Detectives continue to investigate the death of a 30 year old Tacoma man on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest .  Juan Rojas Cortez, 30, of Tacoma , WA was found deceased in the Skookum Meadows area late Saturday by two co-workers.  They were in the area commercially picking bear grass.  When Cortez failed to come out at quitting time, the co-workers started looking for him, and a short time later located him, deceased.  The co-workers flagged down a passing hunter who transported the co-workers to the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office to report the incident. 

Detectives have received some leads from hunters in the area at the time of the shooting, but are continuing to request the public’s assistance in locating a white SUV similar to a Jeep Liberty driven by a shorter stature white male, 30 to 40 years of age, wearing round style eyeglasses, and answering to a name similar to “Craig”.  Authorities believe this individual was in the area and may have information related to this case.

An autopsy revealed the cause of death as a gun shot wound to the torso area of Cortez.  Detectives have ruled out suicide and are continuing the investigation to determine if the homicide was accidental or intentional, and who was involved

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is requested to call Skamania County Detective Sergeant Monty Buettner or Detective Tim Garrity at 509-427-9490 with any information they may have. All press contacts will be coordinated through Undersheriff Dave Cox .

Dave Cox
Undersheriff
509-427-9490 - Office
360-772-6352 - Cell

DATE: November 4, 2008 1150 hrs

SUBJECT(S): Sheriff Detectives continue to probe into Tacoma man’s death
______________________________________________________________________

Skamania County Sheriff’s Detectives continue to investigate the death of a 30 year old Tacoma man on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest .  Juan Rojas Cortez was found deceased in the Skookum Meadows area late Saturday.  An autopsy revealed the cause of death as a gun shot.  Detectives have ruled out suicide.   They continue to attempt to locate a white SUV similar to a Jeep Liberty driven by a shorter stature white male, 30 to 40 years of age, wearing round style eyeglasses, and answering to a name similar to “Craig”.  Authorities believe this individual was in the area and may have information related to this case.

Detectives continue to request the assistance from any individual that may have information related to this incident. Individuals are requested to call Skamania County Detective Sergeant Monty Buettner or Detective Tim Garrity at 509-427-9490 with any information they may have. All press contacts will be coordinated through Undersheriff Dave Cox .

Dave Cox
Undersheriff
509-427-9490 - Office
360-772-6352 - Cell

DATE: November 3, 2008 1130 hrs

SUBJECT(S): Sheriff’s Detectives request Public’s Assistance in Death Investigation
______________________________________________________________________

Skamania County Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives responded late Saturday night to the Lone Butte area of central Skamania County to the report of a deceased subject.  Authorities located the body of an approximately 30 year old adult male, possibly shot, in the Skookum Meadows area off the Forest Service 32 Road, approximately 2.5 miles NW of Lone Butte in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

After interviewing several hunters camped in the area, Detectives have determined that a single gunshot was heard in the area between noon and 3pm on Saturday.  Detectives are attempting to locate a possible witness to this incident.  They are also looking for a white SUV similar to a Jeep Liberty driven by a shorter stature white male, 30 to 40 years of age, wearing round style eyeglasses, and answering to a name similar to “Craig”.  Authorities believe this individual was in the area and may have information related to this case.

An autopsy is scheduled for later this afternoon to determine the cause of death and to assist with the positive identification of the victim.

Detectives are requesting the assistance from any individual that may have information related to this incident. Individuals are requested to call Skamania County Detective Sergeant Monty Buettner or Detective Tim Garrity at 509-427-9490 with any information they may have. All press contacts will be coordinated through Undersheriff Dave Cox .

Thank you for your assistance. 

Dave Cox
Undersheriff
509-427-9490 - Office
360-772-6352 - Cell

DATE: September 17, 2008  0900 hrs

SUBJECT(S): Sport Fishing boat capsizes on the Big White Salmon River
______________________________________________________________________

The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office received a medical call of CPR in progress in the area of the Big White Salmon River tribal in-lieu site in Underwood, WA at 0334 this morning.  Upon arrival, deputies discovered this was actually an incident involving a capsized boat and 2 non-tribal fishermen that were sport fishing in the area. 

Arthur Harmon and Harvey Nelson, both of Yakima , WA , were fishing about 100 yards upriver, on the Big White Salmon River, from the in-lieu site when Nelson hooked a fish.  Nelson was moving to the bow of the boat when it flipped and capsized, throwing both men, who were not wearing lifejackets, into the river.  Harmon was assisting Nelson, who cannot swim, to try to get to shore.  They became separated and 2 other fishermen in the area heard the commotion and took their boat to assist.  They picked up Harmon and took him to shore and then went back and found Nelson.  Nelson was transported to Skyline Hospital in White Salmon, WA and then to Emanuel Hospital in Portland , OR .  His current condition is unknown. 

The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office dive team will be recovering the boat at approximately 1100 hours today so Deputies can continue their investigation of the incident.

Dave Cox
Undersheriff
509-427-9490 - Office
360-772-6352 - Cell

DATE: September 10, 2008  1500 hrs

SUBJECT(S): Missing Berry Picker
______________________________________________________________________

The Skamania County Sheriff’s office received notification of an overdue 62 year old female in the Mowich Butte area who had been picking huckleberries within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest .  She had been seen at around noon yesterday by family members and authorities were not notified until 11:00 pm last night.  Skamania County Deputies responded to the area, and began an intensive ground search this morning at daybreak.  As of 2:30 pm today, Tek Hun of Stockton , California was still missing.  The search consists of approximately 40 ground searchers, 4 vehicles driving roads in the area, 2 dog teams, and 1 aircraft from the Washington Department of Transportation and 1 private helicopter.

The location of the search area is approximately 12 miles NW of Carson, WA.  The Command Post is located 3 miles east of the Forest Roads 43 and 41 junction, on the 41 road.

Updates will be available as time permits. 

I will be at the Search Command Post as the PIO on this incident.  There is little to no cell coverage so I will not be returning phone calls until fairly late.

Dave Cox

Undersheriff

509-427-9490 - Office

360-772-6352 - Cell

DATE: August 3, 2008  0845 hrs

SUBJECT(S): Report of lost Autistic 11 year old
______________________________________________________________________

The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office received a call at approximately 2130 hours last night of a missing 11 year old autistic boy from the Portland , OR area.  He was last seen on the Siouxon trail yesterday at approximately 1700 hours.  The Siouxon trailhead is approximately 8 miles east of the Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument headquarters in Chelatchie Prairie on the Forest Service 5701 road.  Resources have been mobilized to assist with the search effort. 

The Type 3 All Hazard Incident Management Team from Region 4 has been requested to manage the resource allocation for this incident.

Further information will be forthcoming as it is made available.  

Dave Cox ,
Undersheriff
360-772-6352  cell

DATE: June 27, 2008  0900 hrs

SUBJECT(S): Cape Horn Rescue
______________________________________________________________________

The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office received a call at 1850 hrs last evening reporting an injured hiker below the Cape Horn View Point. This View Point is located at MP 25 SR 14, east of Washougal, WA. 

When Deputies arrived they discovered the hiker was Washougal WA. resident David Wright, 50 years of age. Mr. Wright had left the trail and attempted to climb a nearby cliff. In doing so he lost his footing and fell approximately 20 feet, causing injuries to his shoulder. 

Personnel from Skamania County EMS, East Clark County Fire Rescue, Vancouver Fire Rescue, Wind River Search and Rescue, Clark County Search and Rescue, Silver Star Search and Rescue, and Washington State Dept. of Transportation were called to assist. 

Rescue personnel located Mr. Wright and first provided treatment for his non-life threatening injuries. Using a rope system the rescuers started the process of hoisting Mr. Wright up the cliff face to SR 14. At about 2300 hrs rescuers reached the top, and Mr. Wright was transported to SW Washington Medical Center. During the rescue one of rescuer received an ankle injury from falling rocks, as they were attempting to extract Mr. Wright from the cliff.

An investigation determined alcohol was likely a contributing factor to the cause of the incident. 

We would like to thank all the agencies who assisted in this rescue. This rescue could not have been completed safely without these dedicated groups.  

Thanks,
Monty Buettner
Detective Sergeant

DATE: May 7, 2008  1630 hrs

SUBJECT(S): Tribal Fishermen missing after boat capsizes
______________________________________________________________________

The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office received a call at 0930 this morning of an overdue Tribal fisherman that was fishing last night on the Columbia River near the mouth of the Wind River .  Vessels and personnel from Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fisheries Enforcement, Yakima Tribal Police, Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, and the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team responded to an area just east of the mouth of the Wind River on the Columbia where a capsized vessel was discovered. 

The vessel was recovered with the assistance of the tug “ Mt. Hood ”, owned by SD&S Lumber Company in Bingen , WA late this afternoon.  The banks along both the north and south shore of the Columbia were searched from the air by a Jay Hawk Coastguard helicopter out of Air Station Astoria . 

The three fishing crew reported to have been on board the vessel have not been located as of this time.

The incident is under investigation by Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fisheries Enforcement.

Any further information will be released through Charles Hudson, PIO with Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fisheries Enforcement.  He can be contacted at 503-318-7411

Thanks,
David L. Cox 
Undersheriff
509-427-9490 - Office
360-772-6352 - Cell

DATE: March 10, 2008  1720 hrs

SUBJECT(S): Missing Woman Located (UPDATE)
______________________________________________________________________

After meeting up with family members, Ms Fleming was transported by ambulance to OHSU to be checked further by medical personnel.  She had spent the night in her vehicle after getting stuck in the snow at about Mile Post 4 on the DNR 2000 road.  She was located by Mr. Henson at approximately Mile Post 3 walking out.  It is unknown what her medical condition is at this time.  Also, her age is 75, not 76 as previously mentioned.

Thanks,
David L. Cox 
Undersheriff
509-427-9490 - Office
360-772-6352 - Cell

DATE: March 10, 2008  1430 hrs

SUBJECT(S): Missing Woman Found
______________________________________________________________________

A firefighter from Washougal Fire District 4, located a missing Vancouver , Washington female at approximately 1350 hours this afternoon.  CJ Henson, a volunteer with Washougal Fire District 4 located Theresa Fleming, age 76, walking on the DNR 2000 road above Dougan Falls on the upper Washougal River area.   Her vehicle was located at approximately Mile Post 4 on the DNR 2000 road with a dead battery.  She was reported to not require any medical attention at this time. Officers are en-route to contact Ms. Fleming to get information on what had happened.

Thanks,
David L. Cox 
Undersheriff
509-427-9490 - Office
360-772-6352 - Cell

DATE: November 11, 2007  2030 hrs

SUBJECT(S): Community Meeting to be held on the Rock Creek Slide movement.
_______________________________________________________________________

A community information meeting will be held at Rock Creek Center in Stevenson , WA   at 5:00 PM on Monday, December 3^rd 2007.  The slide continues to deposit material into Rock Creek and the amount of material in the creek at this time is considerably more than conditions prior to the slide movement over a year ago.  A panel will be conducting a forum to discuss the many issues involved with interested community members. 

All media entities are invited to attend if interested.

David L. Cox
Undersheriff
509-427-9490 Office
360-772-6352 Cell

DATE: October 28th, 2007  2030 hrs

SUBJECT(S): Small Aircraft Crashes in Columbia River
_______________________________________________________________________

At approximately 5:15 PM a small experimental aircraft crashed into the Columbia River off the NW end of Skamania Island .  The pilot, Douglas Nelsen from Portland , and his nephew, Scott Nelsen from Gresham were able to get out of the aircraft and swim to a sand bar.  A fisherman in the area, Cam Crimshaw from Gresham , picked up the Nelsens and transported them to the Beacon Rock State Park Moorage where both men were seen by Skamania County EMS personnel and released with no injuries. 

Douglas Nelsen reported they were flying low over the northwest end of Skamania Island and as he pulled up to gain altitude, the aircraft stalled and crashed into the Columbia River .  The aircraft is an experimental homebuilt manufactured by Kit Fox.  It has a 2 cycle engine with approximately 5 gallons of fuel on board.  

The FAA and the NTSB will be conducting the investigation into this matter.

David L. Cox
Undersheriff
509-427-9490 Office
360-772-6352 Cell

DATE: October 19th, 2007  1400 hrs

SUBJECT(S): Multiple Arrests in Stevenson Mill Fire
_______________________________________________________________________

Extensive investigation, and with a concerned citizen’s involvement through a tip line, Detectives were able to develop suspects resulting in arrest of 3 individuals for their involvement in the setting of the Stevenson Co Ply industrial complex fire, which occurred on September 21^st, 2007.  Agencies assisting the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Detectives in their investigation included agents from ATF, Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, and Kalama Police Department.

Charges were requested through the Skamania County Prosecutor’s Office of Arson in the First Degree and Burglary in the Second Degree on Jordan Reeves, 21 of Vancouver , WA , his cousin Brad Reeves, 19 of Kalama , WA and a 16 year old male juvenile from Kalama , WA .  Jordan and Brad Reeves are currently being held at the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Jail and the juvenile is being held in the juvenile facility at NORCOR. 

We would like to thank all of those involved in providing information in this investigation which led to the arrest of these 3 individuals.

David L. Cox
Undersheriff
509-427-9490 Office
360-772-6352 Cell

DATE: July 30th, 2007  1000 hrs

SUBJECT(S): Fall Victim
_______________________________________________________________________

At approximately 0945 hours Sunday morning, Skamania County Deputies responded to the Cape Horn trailhead just west of Cape Horn on SR 14 for a report of a woman that had fallen off the trail.  This is located approximately 7 miles east of Washougal, WA.   Deputies located Melissa Pahn, 52, from Vancouver , WA deceased on the lower part of the trail.  She had fallen over a cliff, approximately 230 feet.  Melissa was hiking with her husband, Andrus, and their dog.  At some point they separated and when Andrus located the dog, he could not find Melissa.  Another hiker, Robert Warren, from Prindle , WA had been contacted by Andrus and asked to help him find his wife.  Robert located Melissa on the lower part of the trail approximately 230 feet below the upper trail.  Wind River Search and Rescue and Silver Star Search and rescue assisted with the recovery efforts.  This death is under investigation.

David L. Cox
Undersheriff
509-427-9490 Office
360-772-6352

DATE: March 6th, 2007  3:30pm

SUBJECT(S): SLIDE UPDATE
_______________________________________________________________________

The Columbian newspaper has reported that FEMA has denied funding for the Piper-Rock Creek slide.  Skamania County has not received any formal notification that this is the case.  FEMA has made a PRELIMARY assessment that the event is not linked to the November 2006 “pineapple express”, but that assessment is pending further findings, including a report from a geologist that FEMA has contracted with.  It is important to note that this process is not finalized, and there is an appellate process that Skamania County may take advantage of, if FEMA does deny the application.

David L. Cox,
Undersheriff
509-427-9490  Office
360-772-6352  Cell  

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

DATE: February 8th, 2007  5:55pm

SUBJECT(S): SLIDE UPDATE
_______________________________________________________________________

Operations began this morning for the stream widening project of Rock Creek to mitigate the possible flow of debris material from the Piper – Rock Creek Slide.  Equipment began moving material this morning and will continue on a 24 hour basis until the project is completed.  Any specific questions regarding the Rock Creek Channel project can be directed to Commission Chair Paul Pearce, at 509-427-3701 or his cell phone at 360-607-7388.

David L. Cox,
Undersheriff
509-427-9490  Office
360-772-6352  Cell  

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

DATE: February 7th, 2007  5:55pm

SUBJECT(S): SLIDE UPDATE
_______________________________________________________________________

Plans for the stream widening of Rock Creek to mitigate the possible flow of debris material from the Piper – Rock Creek Slide have been approved by the Corps of Engineers as of this date.  The project will begin at 0700 tomorrow morning.  Questions or comments regarding the planned activities may be addressed by contacting the Skamania County Commissioners Office at 509-427-3700 during regular business hours. 

David L. Cox,
Undersheriff
509-427-9490  Office
360-772-6352  Cell  

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

DATE: February 7th, 2007  4:00pm

SUBJECT(S): SLIDE UPDATE
_______________________________________________________________________

Significant movement of the slide area continues to place debris material within the Rock Creek Drainage.  Representatives from the USGS, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Department of Ecology, Washington Department of Natural Resources, and Williams Natural Gas have all provided invaluable insight into the assessment of the event.  The stream flows in Rock Creek have remained consistent over the past 48 hours and are adequate to maintain a water channel in the slide area and downstream. 

Throughout the development of this event, measures are in place to continue to protect the lives of our citizens, and the plans to mitigate the effects of this event are being implemented at this time.

County and City officials continue to monitor the event.

David L. Cox,
Undersheriff
509-427-9490  Office
360-772-6352  Cell

DATE: July 21st, 2006  10:00am

SUBJECT(S): Skamania County Deputies Locate a Vancouver PD Most Wanted
_______________________________________________________________________

Acting on information from a citizen, Skamania County deputies contacted and arrested Joseph D. Neth today in the Beacon Rock State Park just west of North Bonneville WA.

Neth, 35 years old, was on the most wanted list of the Vancouver Police Department as a result of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute Meth; Forgery; and identity theft.

Neth was also wanted by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon.

Deputies took Neth into custody without incident.  At the time of the arrest, Neth was found to be in possession of a meth like substance and a large amount of cash.

Neth had been living in a camp trailer in the Beacon Rock State Park for the past week.

Deputies applied for and received a search warrant for the trailer and vehicle at the location.  A subsequent search revealed a substance believed to be meth and numerous used and unused syringes as well as packaging material and scales.

Neth was booked into the Skamania County Jail on two felony drug charges related to possession of a controlled substance and intent to deliver.

End Press Release
David S. Brown
Sheriff

DATE: June 2nd, 2006  8:00am

SUBJECT(S): Search to continue for Missing Lyle  Man.
_______________________________________________________________________

Search efforts will continue tomorrow morning, June 3^rd, for a 50 year old Lyle , Washington man missing since Thursday, May 25^th in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest .   The search for Dwight Kipp, will concentrate in an approximate 6 square mile area around where the point last seen was, approximately 35 miles north east of Carson , Washington . 

The search will involve ground search teams utilizing snowmobiles and snowshoes.  The Search base will be located at the Lone Butte Snow Park on the Forest Service 30 road, approximately 30 miles North of Carson , Washington .

Authorities will continue to evaluate any additional information received from the public.

We are asking that anyone who may have seen or had contact with Kipp over the past week to contact Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Detective Summer Scheyer at 509-427-9490.

   Dave Cox  
  Undersheriff  
  360-772-6352 cell

DATE: June 1st, 2006  10:50am

SUBJECT(S): Status of Search for Missing Lyle  Man.
_______________________________________________________________________

Search efforts have been postponed for today pending additional investigation into the disappearance of a Lyle, Washington man reported by his friends as missing since Thursday, May 25^th, approximately 35 miles northeast of Carson , WA . Dwight Kipp, age 50, has been missing since Thursday afternoon, May 25^th.  Kipp had reportedly tried to walk out from a vehicle that was stuck in the snow north of the Lone Butte area of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest . 

The search area has consisted of approximately 24 square miles including the entire road system and has been extensively searched by both ground and air units.  Search teams have been unsuccessful to this point on recovering any trace of Kipp’s whereabouts.

Authorities will reevaluate additional information received today for further action on this case.

We are asking that anyone who may have seen or had contact with Kipp over the past week to contact Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Detective Summer Scheyer at 509-427-9490.

A photo of Kipp is below for your use.

   Dave Cox  
  Undersheriff  
  360-772-6352 cell

PRESS RELEASE

DATE: May 31st, 2006  4:30pm

SUBJECT(S): Search for Missing  Man Continues.
_______________________________________________________________________

Search efforts today continued for a missing Lyle, Washington man reported by his friends as missing since Thursday, May 26^th, approximately 35 miles northeast of Carson , WA .  Dwight Kipp, age 50, was reported as missing at approximately 8:30 PM on Monday night.  Kipp had reportedly tried to walk out from a vehicle that was stuck in the snow north of the Lone Butte area of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.  On Friday, since help did not come, his friend and owner of the truck reportedly walked out to contact a tow truck. 

Skamania County Deputies, searchers from Silver Star Search and Rescue, and helicopters from Hillsboro aviation and the 1042^nd Oregon Air National Guard assisted with the search today. 

Searching will continue until dark this evening.  A photo of Kipp is below.

  Dave Cox
  Undersheriff
  360-772-6352 cell

DATE: May 30th, 2006  5:40pm

SUBJECT(S): Search for Missing Lyle  Man Begins.
_______________________________________________________________________

Search efforts began this morning for a man reported by his friends as missing since Thursday, May 26^th, approximately 35 miles northeast of Carson , WA .  Dwight Kipp, age 50, from Lyle, WA was reported as missing at approximately 8:30 PM last night.  Kipp had reportedly tried to walk out from a vehicle that was stuck in the snow north of the Lone Butte area of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest .  On Friday, since help did not come, his two friends reportedly walked out to contact a tow truck. 

Skamania County Deputies, searchers from Wind River Search and Rescue, and an aircraft from the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office have participated in this search.  The vehicle, a 2004 Ford Ranger Pickup, was located northeast of Lone Butte this afternoon at approximately 3:00 PM .

Searching will continue until dark this evening.  Additional information is being evaluated to assist with the determination of Kipp’s location.   Updated information will be released as it becomes available.  There will be no press information released at the scene.    

   Dave Cox  
  Undersheriff

DATE: October 8th, 2005   8:25pm

SUBJECT(S): Motor Vehicle Collision Fatal.
_______________________________________________________________________

A 17 year old youth died as a result of a vehicle accident yesterday evening at approximately 5:35 PM north of Carson, Washington.  He has been identified as Jason Niedert of Carson.  The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office is continuing their investigation into the cause of the accident.

Undersheriff Dave Cox
509-427-9490
541-490-2902  cell

DATE: October 6th, 2005 2:20pm

SUBJECT(S): Attempts to Identify
_______________________________________________________________________

The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to identify human remains located in the Skye Road area of western Skamania County.  The remains were sent to the FACES  Laboratory at Louisiana State University and clay facial reconstructions were made using the skull.  The male is believed to have been deceased prior to August 2003, but was not discovered until June 2004.  The male was approximately 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 11 inches in height, approximately early 30’s to mid 40’s in age, and had dark colored hair.  

If anyone has information regarding the identity of the subject, please contact Detective Summer Scheyer at (509)427-9490.

Monty Buettner
Investigations Sergeant

DATE: September 13th, 2005 10:20am

SUBJECT(S): Missing Woman Update
_______________________________________________________________________

Skeletal remains located in the Steamboat Mountain area of Skamania County late Sunday evening are believed to be those of Mischell Hodges.  Hodges was reported missing July 9th. The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office conducted an extensive search over 5 days in July with no success.  The remains were located, by two Elk hunters, in the general area of where she was reported missing. The remains have been sent to the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office to conduct an autopsy. 

Undersheriff Dave Cox
509-427-9490
541-490-2902  cell

DATE: August 22nd, 2005  11:50am

SUBJECT(S): Man's Identity Released
_______________________________________________________________________

   The 55 year old Chula Vista, California man that was struck and killed by a Burlington Northern freight train yesterday morning has been identified as Steven Haworth of Chula Vista, California.  He was in the area vacationing at the time of the accident according to family members.  This accident is still under investigation by the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office and Burlington Northern Santa Fe officials. 

Undersheriff Dave Cox
509-427-9490
541-490-2902  cell

DATE: August 21st, 2005  1:45pm

SUBJECT(S): Man Fatally Hit By Train
_______________________________________________________________________

   A 55 year old Chula Vista, California man was struck and killed by a Burlington Northern freight train at approximately 1115 hours this morning.  The accident occurred on the west side of the Big White Salmon River in Skamania County, approximately 2 miles west of Bingen, Washington. 

   Witnesses reported the man was video taping the Columbia River while along the southern side of the railway tracks.  He reportedly tried to cross the tracks to the north and was struck by the train, going approximately 50 miles per hour eastbound.

   The accident is under investigation by the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office and Burlington Northern Santa Fe officials.  His name is not being released at this time, pending notification of next of kin.

Undersheriff Dave Cox
509-427-9490
541-490-2902  cell

DATE: 7/19/05, 1130hrs

SUBJECT(S): Washougal Man Found Deceased 

_______________________________________________________________________

Detectives have determined the cause as accidental in the death of Lawrence Kriegh.  Kriegh was in the process of packing to move and was holding a frameless mirror when it shattered.  A shard of mirror penetrated the inner thigh of his left leg and severed the femoral artery, causing him to bleed to death. 

Undersheriff Dave Cox
509-427-9490
541-490-2902 cell

DATE: 7/18/05, 2045hrs

SUBJECT(S): Man Transported by Life-Flight After 65 Foot Jump 

_______________________________________________________________________

A 32 year old Portland, Oregon man injured his back and was transported by Life Flight to Emanuel Hospital this afternoon after jumping off a 65 foot cliff into the Washougal River and hitting a submerged rock ledge.  Jason Barwikowski’s condition is unknown at this time.  The incident occurred about 3.5 miles above Dougan Falls on the Washougal River at about 3:45 PM  Skamania Fire District 4, Skamania EMS, Clark County Fire District 1 and Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded and assisted in the response. 

This is the same general area as the female 40 foot fall victim from yesterday.

Undersheriff Dave Cox
509-427-9490
541-490-2902 cell

DATE: 7/18/05, 0930hrs

SUBJECT(S): Washougal Man Found Deceased 

_______________________________________________________________________

Detectives from the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office  have released the name of a 48 year old Washougal, Washington man located deceased in his home on Barbara Lane in western Skamania County Friday night.  Lawrence Kriegh was discovered by his landlord early Friday evening deceased in his travel trailer parked in a space he was renting.  Detectives expect the results of an autopsy late this morning.  Cause of death appears accidental, according to Detectives.  Next of kin were notified late last night.

Updates will become available as additional information can be released.

Undersheriff Dave Cox
509-427-9490
541-490-2902 cell

DATE: 7/17/05, 1655hrs

SUBJECT(S): Woman Injured After 40 Foot 

_______________________________________________________________________

Skamania County Deputies and rescue personnel from Skamania Fire District 4 and Battalion 1 from Clark Fire District 9 responded to a report of a female that fell onto the rocks on the Washougal River at approximately 2:45 hours today.  Teena Van Oosten, 39, from Woodburn, Oregon fell approximately 40 feet to the rocks and water, in a popular swimming area known as Naked Falls on the upper Washougal River, while traversing the trail to the water.  Her rescue required a rope rescue from fire personnel.

Van Oosten was extricated from the river by Battalion 1 and transferred to Life Flight which transported her to Emanuel Hospital in Portland with multiple lacerations.

Undersheriff Dave Cox
509-427-9490
541-490-2902 cell

DATE: 7/16/05, 2145hrs

SUBJECT(S): Washougal Man Found Deceased

_______________________________________________________________________

Detectives from the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office and the Clark-Skamania Regional Major Crimes Team are investigating the death of a 48 year old Washougal, Washington man located in his home on Barbara Lane in western Skamania County.  Detectives worked throughout the day processing the scene, and utilized members from several Search and Rescue teams from Washington and Oregon to assist in searching for evidence.

Authorities are awaiting the results of an autopsy to assist in the investigation.  Detectives are not releasing the name of the victim pending notification of next of kin.

Updates will become available as additional information can be released.

Undersheriff Dave Cox
509-427-9490
541-490-2902 cell

DATE: 7/14/05, 1000hrs

SUBJECT(S): Missing Woman

_______________________________________________________________________

Authorities have suspended search efforts for Mischell Hodges at this time.  The search effort has utilized resources from over 20 different search and rescue agencies from the Pacific Northwest and we are very grateful for their participation and hard work..  Investigation continues in Mischelle’s disappearance.  Mischelle’s husband, Richard, has cooperated fully with investigators and is not a suspect in this case.

If anyone has any information about this case, or has possibly seen this vehicle between 1700 on July 4^th and 1100 on July 6^th, please contact the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office at 509-427-9490 and contact Detective Summer Scheyer.

All press will continue to be  coordinated through Undersheriff Dave Cox.

Please see attached photo of Mischelle.

Undersheriff Dave Cox
509-427-9490
541-490-2902 cell

DATE: 7/12/05, 2000hrs

SUBJECT(S): Missing Woman

_______________________________________________________________________

The search continued today for a missing 49 year old Silver Lake, Washington woman on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in the area 

of Steamboat Mountain., utilizing approximately 12 to 15 searchers and a helicopter from Hillsboro Aviation.  Mischelle Hodges has been 

missing since July 4th at approximately 1700 on the Forest Service 8854 road heading west toward Swift Reservoir.  She had been 

camping in the Steamboat Lake area over the 4th of July weekend with family members.  She was driving a blue and white 1983 Chevrolet S10 extended cab pickup with a Washington License A18631N.

The search for Mischelle will continue tomorrow utilizing approximately 50 searchers as well as dog teams from the Pacific Northwest beginning at approximately

If anyone has any information about this case, or has possibly seen this vehicle between 1700 on July 4th and 1100 on July 6th, please contact the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office at 509-427-9490 and contact Detective Summer Scheyer.

All press will be coordinated through Undersheriff Dave Cox.

Please see attached photo of the vehicle.

Undersheriff Dave Cox
509-427-9490

David S. Brown
Sheriff

OFFICE OF THE SKAMANIA COUNTY
SHERIFF
PO Box 790
200 Vancouver Ave.
Stevenson WA 98648
Phone   (509)427-9490
Fax        (509)427-4369
www.skamaniasheriff.com
scso@co.skamania.wa.us

Dave Cox
Undersheriff

Pat Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

David Waymire
Jail Superintendent

DATE: 7/11/05, 1125hrs

SUBJECT(S): Missing Woman

_______________________________________________________________________

The search will continue today for a missing 49 year old Silver Lake, Washington woman on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in the area of Steamboat Mountain.  Mischelle Hodges was last seen on July 4^th at approximately 1700 on the Forest Service 8854 road heading west toward Swift Reservoir.  She had been camping in the Steamboat Lake area over the 4^th of July weekend with family members.  

Hodges was driving a blue and white 1983 Chevrolet S10 extended cab pickup with a Washington License A18631N.

The vehicle has been located on the Forest Service 8854-021 road,  approximately 1 mile from the point last seen,  but Hodges’ whereabouts are unknown at this time. 

If anyone has any information about this case, or has possibly seen this vehicle between 1700 on July 4^th and 1100 on July 6^th, please contact the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office at 509-427-9490 and contact Detective Summer Scheyer.

All press will be coordinated through Undersheriff Dave Cox.

Please see attached photo of Mischelle.

Undersheriff Dave Cox
509-427-9490

DATE: 8/13/04, 1200hrs

SUBJECT(S): 3300 Marijuana Plants Eradicated by Deputies

_______________________________________________________________________

                          

Click Image to Enlarge 

Efforts to eradicate marihuana during the growing season in Skamania County has yielded in excess of 3300 plants, pulled from 22 gardens over the past week.  Deputies, utilizing the Washington Army National Guard RAID unit helicopters from Fort Lewis as a viewing platform, were able to spot the gardens from the air.  Detectives from the Clark – Skamania Drug Task Force assisted with the pulling of the plants.  The street value of a mature plant is estimated at $3,000, placing the value of these plants, when mature, in excess of 9 million dollars.

“It’s unfortunate that we had only two and one half days of flight time allocated by the Guard”, commented Sheriff Dave Brown.  “We appreciate the support we get from them, and we couldn’t have done it without them, but we have barely scratched the surface so to speak.  We are right in the peak of the growing season, and have already run out of resources to continue.”

“We will continue to pursue these illicit growing operations every year, and are continually looking for additional resources that will assist us”, he stated. 

Any citizen with information about any illegal drug activity in Skamania County are encouraged to call the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office at (509)427-9490.

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

DATE: 7/5/04, 1715hrs

SUBJECT(S): Hiker Injured in Ape Cave
_______________________________________________________________________

            A 20 year old man from Beaverton, Oregon was transported to Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon by Lifeflight after sustaining head injuries and a possible broken leg from a fall over an 8 foot ledge in Ape Caves. 

           Ape Caves is a lava tube, popular with tourists and hikers, on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and is located on the Southern flank of Mt St Helens.

Eric Ball of Beaverton, Oregon was rescued from within Ape Caves by North Country EMS, USFS and Skamania County Sheriff’s Office personnel.  He was recreating with friends at the time of the accident.

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

DATE: 7/2/04, 1000hrs

SUBJECT(S): Sheriff Seeks Citizen Volunteers
_______________________________________________________________________

Skamania County Sheriff Dave Brown is seeking volunteers from the community who are interested in a volunteer citizen patrol program within the city limits of Stevenson.  This program is designed to put citizen volunteers on the city streets at various times and days to serve as additional eyes and ears for patrol deputies.

A Stevenson area representative from the Sheriff’s Citizen Advisory Group, proposed the idea to Sheriff Brown.

“We will provide the volunteers with a reflective vest, cell phone and a flashlight.  The intent of the program is the citizen volunteers would spend some of their spare time performing foot patrol in the downtown corridor reporting criminal activity, assisting pedestrians at crosswalks and assisting visitors with questions or concerns. I am hopeful that the volunteers will also be able to assist in additional patrols during the Fair and at other events in and around Stevenson.  This program has proven to be successful in Spokane County WA as well as other areas of the United States.”

Interested persons will be asked to complete a volunteer application.  Applications are available at the Sheriff’s Office.  A criminal history check will be conducted on all applicants.

After successful completion of the application and background check, participants will be provided with training as to the expectations while on patrol.

“I see this as a great opportunity for local citizens to become involved in creating a safer downtown corridor for residents and visitors.  Additionally, if this project proves successful, we may look into expanding the program to other areas of the County.”

Sheriff Brown is hoping to have the program in place and volunteers on the streets by mid to late August.

Please stop by the Sheriff’s Office and ask for an application or call Sheriff Brown at (509) 427-9490 if you have questions.

End Press Release
Dave Brown
Sheriff, Skamania County

DATE: 6/17/04, 1200hrs

SUBJECT(S): Dorcy Death Investigation
_______________________________________________________________________

Skamania County Sheriff’s Detectives are continuing to investigate the deaths of Brittney and Jessica Dorcy.   As of the time of this release, there is no new information that can be provided.

When additional information becomes available, provided it can be released, it will be posted in a press release and be made available at this website.

End Release
David Brown
Sheriff

DATE: 6/17/04, 0100hrs

SUBJECT(S): Motor Vehicle Fatality
_______________________________________________________________________

A 46 year old Washougal man died as a result of a collision with a pickup truck just east of Labarre Road, on the Washougal River Road at approximately 4:00pm Wednesday. 

Robert Day Jr. was pronounced deceased at the scene.  His passenger, Cheryl Short of Vancouver was taken to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland OR by Lifeflight helicopter and is listed in critical condition as of the time of this release.

Richard Morisette, 34, of Washougal was arrested on one count of Vehicular Homicide and one count of Vehicular Assault.  Morisette’s vehicle, a 1997 Ford F-150 pickup, allegedly crossed the centerline, colliding with Day’s 1986 Harley Davidson motorcycle. 

The accident is under investigation by Skamania County Sheriff’s Office and Washington State Patrol.

End Press Release
Dave Cox
Undersheriff

DATE: 6/15/04, 1100hrs.

SUBJECT(S): Death Investigation
_______________________________________________________________________

As a result of the continuing investigation into the deaths of Brittney and Jessica Dorcy, Skamania County Sheriff’s detectives have recovered a weapon.  The weapon was seized as evidence and will be sent to the Washington State Patrol crime lab for testing.

Detectives applied for and received a search warrant on Monday June 14, 2004 for the vehicle.  A search of the vehicle was conducted as a part of the investigation, to look for any items that may be connected to the crime of Murder.

Skamania County Sheriff’s Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case and who may have observed the vehicle, a white 1990 Toyota Corolla 4-door, to please contact Detective Sgt. Monty Buettner or Detective Summer Scheyer at (509) 427-8783.

A photograph of a vehicle matching the description of the car driven by Charlene Dorcy on Saturday June 12^th, can be viewed at the Skamania County Sheriff’s website at www.skamaniasheriff.com.

When new information becomes available, additional updates can be obtained by accessing the Skamania County Sheriff’s website at www.skamaniasheriff.com and clicking on the Press Release link.

End Press Release
Dave Brown
Sheriff, Skamania County

David S. Brown
Sheriff

OFFICE OF THE SKAMANIA COUNTY
SHERIFF
PO Box 790
200 Vancouver Ave.
Stevenson WA 98648
Phone   (509)427-9490
Fax        (509)427-4369
www.skamaniasheriff.com
scso@co.skamania.wa.us

Dave Cox
Undersheriff

Pat Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

David Waymire
Jail Superintendent

DATE: 6/13/04, 0300hrs.

SUBJECT(S): Death Investigation
_______________________________________________________________________

At approximately 5:30PM on Saturday June 12, 2004 the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office received information from Vancouver Law Enforcement officers that they had contacted a female who reported to them she had shot her children.   Charlene A. Dorcy, 39 years of age, from Vancouver told officers that she had taken her 2 children  Brittany age 2 and Jessica, age 4, to the Wind River recreation area where she shot and killed them.

Officers from the Vancouver Police Department and Clark County Sheriff’s Office interviewed Dorcy briefly.  The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office was contacted a short time later and Dorcy agreed to lead detectives to the location of the children.  Detectives from the  Skamania County Sheriff’s Office and Clark County Sheriff’s Office escorted Dorcy to the location

Dorcy led detectives to an abandoned rock pit off forest road 30, approximately 33 miles northeast of Carson WA.   At that location, detectives discovered the bodies of Brittany and Jessica Dorcy.  

Charlene Dorcy agreed to accompany Skamania County detectives back to the Sheriff’s Office where she was subsequently interviewed regarding the circumstances of the deaths of the children.  As of the time of this release Dorcy is being held in the Skamania County Jail on suspicion of 2 counts of First Degree Murder.

When officers contacted Dorcy in Vancouver she was driving a Toyota Corolla.   It is believed this was the vehicle she was driving when she left the crime scene near milepost 34 on forest road 30.   The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office request that anyone who was in the Lone Butte area of Skamania County on Saturday afternoon and has information that may be related to this investigation, to contact Sgt. Monty Buettner or Detective Summer Scheyer at (509) 427-8783

End Press Release
Dave Brown
Sheriff, Skamania County

DATE: 6/3/04, 1600hrs.

SUBJECT(S): Death Investigation
_______________________________________________________________________

           In August of 2003 a homeowner in the Skye Rd. area of Skamania County reported their family dog brought home what could be a human bone. The bone was brought to Detectives, who then forwarded it to the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. The Medical Examiner, as well as a Forensic Anthropologist verified the bone was indeed a human right femur. It was estimated the femur belonged to a person between 5’7” and 5’10” in height, who was probably male.

Detectives researched reported missing persons in the SW Washington area and attempted to obtain DNA from those matching the possible description.

By August 18^th 2003 the bone and DNA from some of the missing persons matching the description were forwarded to the Washington State Crime Lab for analysis.

On February 22, 2004 search teams searched the area along Skye Rd., from Pohl Rd. to Highland Rd., in search of evidence or additional human remains. During the search additional bones were located however it is believed the bones were transported by neighborhood dogs to the places they were found.

On March 29^th 2004 the crime lab completed their analysis and determined the DNA from the bone was from a male subject. The DNA from the bone did not match the samples of the known missing persons we forwarded.

The additional bones were forwarded to the Clark County Medical Examiner and a Forensic Anthropologist for examination. It was confirmed searchers did in fact locate a human left femur.

The investigation is ongoing, and detectives ask anyone with information that could be connected to this investigation to call the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office at (509)427-9490 and ask for Det. Summer Scheyer or Sgt. Monty Buettner.

DATE: 6/1/04, 1700hrs.

SUBJECT(S): Search Warrant Service
_______________________________________________________________________

During the late evening of 05/31/04 deputies from the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office received information that 36-year-old Cynthia N. Moore was seen in the residence at 3 Cascade Ave. SE. in Stevenson. Deputes were aware of an outstanding warrant for Moore’s arrest, stemming from her failing to pay fines from a previous Possession of Marijuana conviction.

Deputy Mark Mercer applied for and was granted a search warrant to search the residence for Moore. When deputies made entry to the residence, Moore was located and arrested. Also inside the residence was 34-year-old Ronald D. Snorkel. Deputies were aware Snorkel also had an arrest warrant, stemming from a conviction for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Snorkel was arrested, and together with Moore, transported to the Skamania County Criminal Justice Facility.

When the deputies made entry into the residence, they observed, in plain view, what they believed was paraphernalia that had been used to consume illegal drugs/narcotics. From their observations Deputy Ty McKay applied for and was granted an addendum to Deputy Mercer’s Search Warrant. The addendum allowed deputies to search the residence for drugs/narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

Upon a more detailed search of the residence deputies located what they believe was marijuana, methamphetamine, and paraphernalia used to package and distribute marijuana and methamphetamine.

The Investigation is continuing and more arrests are anticipated.

Monty Buettner
Investigations Sergeant.

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 5/21/04 0945hrs.

SUBJECT(S): Death Under Investigation

At approximately 7:00pm last night, May 20^th, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, Skamania Fire District 4, and Skamania EMS responded to a residence in western Skamania County for a call of a 21 year old female down and not breathing.  Responding agencies discovered Heidi Lueth of Vancouver deceased in the residence.  An autopsy will be performed to assist in determining the cause of death.  The incident is being investigated by the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office.

David L. Cox,
Undersheriff

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 5/8/04 0945hrs.

SUBJECT(S): Victim Falls from Cape

At approximately 0630 AM this morning, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible fall victim off the viewpoint at Cape Horn.  Cape Horn is a popular viewpoint of the Columbia River Gorge, located on Highway 14 approximately 7 miles east of Washougal.

Responding units located the victim deceased at the base of the cliff.  The victim’s identity, a 20 year old male from the Clatskanie, OR area, is being withheld pending next of kin notification.  The incident is being investigated by the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office.

David L. Cox,
Undersheriff

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 4/16/04 0830hrs.

SUBJECT(S): Arrests Made in Drive By Shootings

After an extensive investigation which led Skamania County Sheriff’s Detectives and Washougal Detectives as far as Woodland WA. three arrests have been made in the case.

During the late afternoon of 4/16/04 Detectives arrested two adults and one juvenile in connection with last weeks drive by shootings along the Washougal River valley.

In custody are:

Jayson S. Wheeler  19 yeas of age, Transient. Held at the Skamania County Jail.

Earl O. De Dois   21 years of age, Woodland WA. Held at the Skamania County Jail

Juvenile Male   14 years of age, Washougal WA. Held at Norcor

All suspects are being held on suspicion of Malicious Mischief and Felony Drive By Shooting. 

Monty Buettner
Investigations Sergeant.

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 4/10/04 1800hrs.

SUBJECT(S): Human Remains Found

On 04/05/04 an employee of Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission reported finding what he thought were human remains. The employee led investigators to the east end of Pierce Island in the Columbia River. Pierce Island is immediately south of Beacon Rock State Park in Skamania County.

Detectives from Skamania County Sheriff’s Office verified the remains were indeed human, and processed the area as if it were a crime scene.

Detectives have tentatively identified the victim, and tentatively concluded the method of death was suicide.

The name of the victim is being withheld until a positive identification has been made using dental records, and notification has been made to next of kin.

Monty Buettner
Detective Sergeant

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 03/23/04 1630hrs.

SUBJECT(S): SNOWMOBILE COLLISION

On 3/20/04 Skamania County Deputies, EMS, and other emergency personnel responded to the USFS 88 road, approximately 8 miles west of Trout Lake, Washington, for an injured snowmobiler.  Melanie Lindemann, 21, of Stayton, Oregon was operating a snowmobile when she lost control and was ejected. Her passenger, Lowell Wourms, 57, of Camas, WA remained on the machine when it struck a tree. Wourms sustained severe head injuries and was lifeflighted to Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Mr. Wourms later succumbed to his injuries.

Patrick J. Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

Cc: file

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 03/04/04 1500hrs.

SUBJECT(S): MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION

On 03/03/04 at about 6:35pm, Deputies responded to the intersection of Metzger Rd. and Eyman Cemetery Rd. Carson, WA.  for a vehicle vs. pedestrian(s) collision. When Deputies arrived they contacted the driver of the vehicle, Jay H. Hollenberry 25 years of age. Also contacted at the scene were two male juveniles, Heath Martin twelve years of age, and Tucker Martin nine years of age. All three were evaluated by EMS, and then transported to various hospitals to be treated for injuries sustained. Tucker Martin has been released from the hospital, however as of this writing Heath Martin is listed as "Stable" condition at Emanuel Hospital. 

Preliminary Investigation revealed the driver was north bound on Metzger Rd. and lost control of his vehicle, striking the two juveniles as they walked along the shoulder of the road.

After being released from the hospital, Hollenberry was arrested, and held at the Skamania County Criminal Justice Facility, on suspicion of Vehicular Assault, DUI, and Driving while License Suspended.

The investigation is continuing. 

Monty Buettner
Detective Sergeant

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

Mary Apodaca
Jail Superintendent

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 01/30/04.

SUBJECT(S): Narcotics Search Warrant

On Friday morning January 30, 2004 Deputies from the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office and the Clark-Skamania Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 20 Leavens Street in the City of Stevenson.  The residents of the house,  Mike Johnson, 47 years of age and Mark Puntigam 40 years of age, were both arrested and booked into the Skamania County Jail on charges of possession of a controlled substance. Puntigam was also booked on a felony probation violation. 

As a result of the search of the residence, detectives discovered methamphetamine, marijuana and scales and packaging material for narcotic sales.

End Press Release
Dave Brown
Sheriff, Skamania County

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

Mary Apodaca
Jail Superintendent

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 12/29/03.

SUBJECT(S): Sex Offender Notification

The following person is a convicted sex offender, and is required by law to report any change of address. His last known address is 141 Maple Way Stevenson, however we have reason to believe he no longer resides at that address. If you have information on where this subject is currently residing, please contact the Sheriff's Office (509)427-9490 and ask to speak to a Detective.

NAME: McLaughlin, Richard S.
DATE OF BIRTH: 03/23/61
RACE: White
SEX: Male
WEIGHT: 230
HEIGHT: 6'2"
EYES: Green
HAIR: Brown
RESIDENCE: Unknown

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

Mary Apodaca
Jail Superintendent

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 12/14/03.

SUBJECT(S): Missing Family

A North Clark County family was located by members of the St. Helens Track riders snowmobile club this morning, after they did not return from a Christmas tree outing on Saturday.  Mike Brotherton, his wife Melissa and the couples two children ages 5 and 4, left the their home on Saturday to find a Christmas tree.  The family failed to show up at a family gathering in Kelso Saturday afternoon and family members became concerned when they had still not returned home Saturday evening.

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

Mary Apodaca
Jail Superintendent

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 12/10/03.

SUBJECT(S): Bomb Threat.

Skamania County Sheriff’s Detectives arrested two Stevenson High School students  Wednesday morning, as a result of an ongoing investigation into a bomb threat received at the high school on Tuesday.  The students are both under the age of 18 and their names are not being released at this time.  According to detectives at the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, the suspects called the bomb threat in hoping it would result in school being dismissed for the day.

Responders from Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement were on scene Tuesday for over three hours, while the building was searched.  After an interior and exterior search of the school, Skamania County Sheriff’s officials subsequently released the building to the school, declaring it safe for re-entry. 

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

Mary Apodaca
Jail Superintendent

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 11/07/03.

SUBJECT(S): Child Identification Card

The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office has created a child identification card that is now available to the citizens and visitors of Skamania County.  The identification cards are similar to a driver’s license in that they show picture identification and pertinent information regarding the child’s name, address, birth date etc.  There is space on the card for a fingerprint as well as other information.  The type and amount of information placed on the card is at the discretion of the parent or guardian.  “We are hoping that parents and guardians will recognize this as a great way to readily identify their children and have them safely returned in the event they become lost or disoriented.   The cards may be valuable when visiting theme parks or other attractions where it is possible that children could be separated from other family members,” said Sheriff Dave Brown.

Additional matching cards are available for the parents to carry with them to help in reuniting children with parents.  The cost of an individual card is $10.00 with the additional matching parent card available for another $3.00.   “We want to provide all parents who are interested in obtaining a card the opportunity to acquire one, so if the cost is an issue we still encourage parents to contact the Sheriff’s Office,” He said

Application forms for the identification cards are available at the Sheriff’s Office front desk between the hours of 8:30am-5:00pm Monday through Friday.  Parents can stop by and complete the application form and the cards will be processed in a matter of a few days.  “We are requesting that parents bring a copy of the child’s birth certificate when requesting and submitting an application.”

A sample of the card can be viewed on the Sheriff’s Office website at www.skamaniasheriff.com. 

If you have questions about the child identification cards, please contact Sgt. Monty Buettner at (509) 427-9490

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

Mary Apodaca
Jail Superintendent

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 10/20/03.

SUBJECT(S): Lost Person

On Monday, October 19^th at approximately 7:30 PM, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an overdue mushroom picker in the Trapper Creek Wilderness area.  Deputies from the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office responded and checked the area.  Volunteer searchers from Wind River and Silver Star search teams searched the area throughout the night.  Searchers located the mushroom picker at 11:00 am the following morning. The mushroom picker was identified as Alma Beaver, 41yoa from Ontario, Oregon.  Beaver stated she crossed over the FS 33 Rd without her husband knowing it and became disorientated.   Beaver was located approx ¼ mile from where she was last reported to have been picking mushrooms.  Thick brush, fog and rain made searching difficult.  Beaver was checked for hypothermia and injuries on scene. Beaver was reported in good condition and released to family members.

Arne Gonser
Sergeant

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

Mary Apodaca
Jail Superintendent

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 09/026/03.

SUBJECT(S): Search Warrant Service

On 09/22/03 Deputies from the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office and Detectives from the Clark/Skamania Drug Taskforce served a series of search warrants at the house and property of Randall Patton of Stevenson.

As a result of the search warrants officers seized a stolen vehicle, a marijuana growing operation, methamphetamine, and a methamphetamine lab used to manufacture the narcotic.

Through an extensive investigation and outstanding police work, Deputy Mark Mercer of the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office obtained the probable cause needed to search the house and property.

Arrested at the scene was Randall J. Patton 46 years old, and Craig R. Hurst 29 years old.

Anyone with information that may assist in this case is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (509)427-8783.

The investigation is continuing, and more arrests are anticipated.

Monty Buettner
Detective Sergeant

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

Mary Apodaca
Jail Superintendent

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 09/04/03.

SUBJECT(S): Missing Berry Picker
                        

A 79 year old huckleberry picker was located by a Forest Service Employee 5 miles north of Carson, Washington at 1745 hours today after being missing for 8 days in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Skamania County. Duff Kimsey, age 79, from The Dalles, Oregon was transported by Life Flight to Emmanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Kimsey was conscious and somewhat responsive when located but not able to be interviewed regarding the incident. Kimsey was located approximately 9.5 miles from the point last seen.

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

Mary Apodaca
Jail Superintendent

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 06/22/03.

SUBJECT(S): Lost Hikers 
                         Motorcycle Collision

On Saturday, June 21^st the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office received a report of four lost hikers on Mt. St. Helens.  Deputies Barker and Nyholm, along with North County EMS spent most of Saturday night trying to locate the subjects.  With the help of a cell phone and FRS radio, rescuers located and escorted the hiking party to the trailhead.  One North Country rescuer sustained a head injury during the night but was treated and released from the hospital.  

On Sunday, June 22, 2003 Deputies, Fire personnel, and medics responded to a motorcycle accident on the upper FS 90 Rd. Norman Newberg from Cheney, WA was life-fighted to Emanuel Hospital with sever trauma.  At approx 2:00 pm Newberg was listed in critical condition.

End Press Release
Arne Gonser
Sergeant, Skamania County Sheriff’s Office

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

Mary Apodaca
Jail Superintendent

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 06/12/03.

SUBJECT: Drowning Victims Located.

On Thursday, June 12^th  Sheriff Brad Lohrey of Sherman County requested the Skamania County Dive Team to respond for a possible drowning. At approximately 10:00 AM  divers, in 19 feet of water, recovered a body of an adult male. The drowning occurred in an old gravel pit in the town of Rufus.  The gravel pit is a tributary off of the Columbia River.   Anyone with information concerning this matter should contact the Sherman County Sheriff’s Office at 541-565-3622.

Later in the afternoon, Skamania County Divers recovered the body of Lauren Orton in the upper Wind River. Orton was pinned in a waterfall upstream from the High Bridge. The water level had lowered approximately 14” since the accident on April 27th, allowing divers to access her body.

End Press Release
Arne Gonser
Sergeant, Skamania County Sheriff’s Office

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

Mary Apodaca
Jail Superintendent

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 05/27/03.

SUBJECT: INJURED HIKER.

May 24^th at 3:20 pm, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office received information regarding an injured hiker on the Cook Hill Trail in the Columbia River Gorge.  Sheriff’s Deputies, Skamania County Ambulance personnel and volunteers from Wind River Search and Rescue responded.  A 20-year-old woman, Robin Rindfusz, was located approximately 1.5 miles up the trail with a possible broken ankle.  Rescue workers carried Robin to the main road where she was transported by private vehicle to the hospital.

May 24^th at 7:00 pm, a hiker reported seeing what he believed was parts of an airplane crash while hiking in the Gorge.  Paul Moore from Vancouver, Washington escorted deputies to the area.  Deputies located a debris field from an old airplane crash.   Records indicate the crash happened in January 1971.  An Air commander 680 was on a test flight from Spokane to Hillsboro Airport. Reports show severe weather during this time.  The pilot, Manny Giumarra was killed in the crash.

May 25^th at 7:15 pm, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office took a report of an over due spelunker in the Ice Cave area.   Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers and deputies responded. A Vancouver man, Chris Molyneux 36 years of age, was last observed several hours earlier.   As the officers were getting more information Molyneux emerged from the cave.   Molyneux told deputies he got disorientated and had trouble finding his way out.   Molyneux is an experienced caver and suffered no injuries.

May 26^th at 2:25 pm, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office received an emergency call of an injured kayaker in the Little White Salmon River.  Deputies along with the Skamania County Ambulance and Wind River Search and Rescue responded.   Jason Lien 32 years of age from Eugene, Oregon suffered severe head injuries.   Rescue workers attempted to reach Lien but the terrain was too hazardous.    A MAST Helicopter from the 1042 nd in Salem responded for assistance.  Lien was hoisted to the helicopter and transported by air to a Portland based hospital.

End Press Release

Arne Gonser
Sergeant, Skamania County Sheriff’s Office

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

Mary Apodaca
Jail Superintendent

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 04/28/03.

SUBJECT: River Accident

At approximately 1500 hours on Sunday April 27, 2003, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a rafting accident on the Wind River just North of Carson WA.  Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Divers responded to the scene and began searching the area where the rafter was last seen.  As of darkness, there had been no success in locating the missing rafter, Lauren Orton, 32 years of age, from Portland OR.

Orton was one of 4 people who were part of a guided raft trip sponsored by All Star Rafting from Mosier OR.   According to the witnesses at the scene, the raft hit a rock in the river causing Orton and a second female to be ejected.  One subject was able to navigate to the shore and was picked up by the remaining subjects in the raft.  Orton was observed going over a 4-6 foot drop in the river but she did not surface.  Witnesses stated that the helmet and life jacket, worn by Orton, did surface quickly after she went under water.   The rafting crew searched the immediate area for approximately 30 minutes before proceeding downstream and contacted authorities.

Skamania County Sheriff’s Divers and members of Wind River Search and Rescue from Carson WA, searched the area Sunday afternoon and into the evening.  The search effort was suspended until 9:00AM Monday.  Sheriff’s divers resumed searching this morning but had no success. At 1500 hours this afternoon, the search efforts were again suspended.

“The conditions of the river in the area where Orton was last seen are extremely turbulent.  It is difficult to navigate the divers into the area where we believe Orton may be.”

Efforts are underway to secure the assistance of a whitewater rescue team from the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.  If these resources can be obtained it will allow divers and rescue personnel better access to the rapids area where Orton was last seen.

End Press Release
Dave Brown
Sheriff, Skamania County

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

Mary Apodaca
Jail Superintendent

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 03/31/03.

SUBJECT: Vehicle Recovery.

  Six days after the multi-county dive training, the Skamania County Dive-Rescue Team was back in the water. The Sheriff’s Office received information regarding a submerged vehicle in the Rain Creek area off of the Forest Service 10 road. Forest Service Special Agent Dan Farhni, Deputy Christian Lyle, and Sergeant Arne Gonser, from the Dive-Rescue Team, responded. The vehicle, a stolen 1985 Chevrolet Corvette, was located 31 feet below the surface. Jack’s Towing was called and the car was removed. Deputy George Barker is investigating the incident and anyone with information regarding this case is urged to call the Sheriff’s Office at (509) 427-9490.

Patrick J. Bond, 
Chief Criminal Deputy

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

Mary Apodaca
Jail Superintendent

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 03/17/03.

SUBJECT: Search & Rescue.

     On 03/15/03 at about 9:30am, the Beaverton Oregon Police Dept. took a report of an overdue family. The family was believed to be in the Souixon Falls area near the Clark/Skamania County line. A Clark County Sergeant had located the family's vehicle at a trailhead, and requested Skamania County assist. Search and Rescue deputies, along with Search and Rescue volunteers from Clark and Skamania Counties responded and started a search.

     On Sunday 3/16/03 at about 11:00am ground searchers from the North Country E.M.S. located the family several miles from the trailhead. from Beaverton Oregon resident David W. Bacon, and his four children Andrew (15), Garrett (11), Kort (10), and Liam (8), , were found to be cold, wet, and tired, but otherwise in good condition. Searchers escorted the family back to their vehicle. 

     David Bacon reported they were planning a day-hike so his children could earn their 10 mile merit badge from their scout groups. After walking several miles they lost the trail due to snow and darkness. They remained together until search parties located them.  

Arne Gonser
Sergeant

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

Mary Apodaca
Jail Superintendent

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 02/24/03.

SUBJECT: Dive Rescue.

            On 02/22/03 at 1055hrs, at the request of the Columbia River Inter-tribal Enforcement, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Dive Rescue Team responded to the mouth of the Deshutes River in Oregon State. Inter-tribe reported one person was missing, last seen in the river without a life preserver.

            At about 1450hrs the Skamania County Dive Rescue Team located the body of an adult male in about 18 feet of water. After the body was removed from the river the dive team returned to Skamania County.

            The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Any further information regarding this case can be obtained from the Columbia River Inter-tribal Enforcement located in Hood River Oregon. They can be reached at (541)386-6363.

Arne Gonser
Sergeant

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Civil Deputy

Patrick Bond
Chief Criminal Deputy

Mary Apodaca
Jail Superintendent

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 02/06/03.

SUBJECT: Marijuana Growing Operation.

On 02/05/03 officers from the Clark/Skamania Drug Task Force searched a residence located at 20 Park Lane Place #6, North Bonneville Washington. Inside the residence officers located a marijuana growing operation, and multiple firearms.

The residence is occupied by Joseph H. Kincaid 37 years of age. Officers anticipate Kincaid will face criminal charges in connection with the grow operation.

This investigation originated east of Troutdale Oregon during a traffic stop by Multnomah County Sheriff’s Deputies.

The Clark/Skamania Drug Task Force is a multi-agency task force comprised of officers from Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Vancouver Police Dept. and the Washington State Patrol.

Monty Buettner
Sergeant

Skamania County Sheriff's Office
 _________________________________________________
200 Vancouver Ave . PO Box 790 . Stevenson, WA 98648
 509/427-9490 . Fax 427-4369 . scso@co.skamania.wa.us
        

David S. Brown
Sheriff

David Cox
Undersheriff

Patrick Bond
Chief Deputy

Marlea McKenzie
Chief Deputy, Civil

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE

DATE: 01/20/03

SUBJECT: Missing family found after two days in the snow and cold.

A Skamania County Sheriffs Sergeant contacted a family of 4 on the Forest Service 88 road this morning after the family was spotted by a pilot in a fixed wing aircraft.

Billy (BJ) Buzzini, 24, his wife Sarah, 23, and daughters, Kaleigh, 4, and Madison, 1, were found Monday morning at approximate 9:00 AM. All 4 were in good condition. After being evaluated by Emergency Services Personnel the family was taken to the Skamania County Sheriffs Office where they were reunited with family members.

The family left home Saturday to go play in the snow. They were driving a 1999 Plymouth Breeze. Buzzini told Deputies they had intended to be in the St. Helens area but did not have a permit so they continued up the Forest Service 90 road, approximately 48 miles east of Cougar WA, until they found snow. Late Saturday the car became stuck in the snow, so the family spent the night inside the car. On Sunday the family began walking, in hopes of finding a snow park area where they could get help.

The family walked for 5 hours in the snow on Sunday before deciding they needed to build a shelter and take cover for the night. BJ and Sarah kept the two children warm by bundling them up in heavy clothing. They had food with them and attempted to start a fire, with no success. On Monday morning they turned around and began walking back in the direction of the car. At approximately 9AM Monday a private pilot, Mike Baker of Amboy, spotted the family walking North on the Forest Service 88 road. Baker contacted the Skamania County Sheriffs Office by cell phone and relayed the information. Sheriffs Sergeant Arne Gonser, was just 15 minutes away and was able to drive to the location were the family was seen. Sgt. Gonser found the family to be in good condition and transported them to the Skamania County Sheriff's Office.

"We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this event. The family was smart to remain in the car Saturday night and when they did decide to leave the vehicle, they took food and water with them. Obviously, had they remained in the vehicle the entire time they would have been located Sunday. I can understand the need to do something to help yourself and I am sure that led to the decision to try to walk out.

In light of all the bad news in the past month, this is certainly a much happier outcome. The efforts of the Vancouver Police, Clark Co. Sheriff and all the volunteers who helped search on Sunday and Monday contributed to the success of this search and rescue mission."

End Press Release
Dave Brown, Sheriff