Sheriff's Office News 
  
We Need Your Eyes and Ears 

Investigators Seek Public's Help in Several Cases

 

 

We have three cases that require people to spot the right item or person at the right moment.  More help from you means more chances that someone will see or hear critical information needed to solve these cases.  Sheriff's detectives are asking to borrow your eyes and ears.

 

 
Cornelius --- Missing Endangered Girl 
Keri Sinner is 17 years old, 5'5" tall, 125 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.  She was last seen wearing a black and white jacket and purple and black shoes.  Keri has been victimized many times in the past by adult men who exploit her vulnerability.  Her family now believes she is at a higher risk than before. Details.



Laurel --- 1931 Model A Stolen 
Property crimes detectives are searching for this rumble-seat coupe that was stolen from the owner's driveway during the night of July 14.  Detectives have exhausted all investigative leads and are asking for your help as you travel to car shows, cruise-ins, or other events where this type of vehicle would be seen or talked about.  This beauty is in mostly original condition, with a light brown exterior color and original black wheels and fenders.  Details.


Aloha -- Bank Robbery Suspect
On August 7 during the noon hour, a man went to a teller window inside the Aloha US Bank on SW Farmington Road.  He demanded cash and ran southbound from the bank.  

He is described as a white male, about 30 years old, 5'6" tall, with a medium build and brown hair. He was clean shaven and wearing a blue shirt, black pants and a black ball cap.  Details and more photos.
  
 


Please call our non-emergency dispatch center with any helpful tips at (503) 629-0111.

Homeowner Fires Gun to Stop DUII Driver After Crash

 

Just before midnight on August 7, a DUII driver traveling too fast failed to negotiate a curve and left the road way on SW Hillsboro Highway. He crashed through a fence, hit a tree, and landed in a front yard, causing substantial damage.  He tried repeatedly to drive out of the yard, but the two driver-side flat tires hampered his efforts. During the commotion, the property owner went outside his home with a handgun to see what was going on. 

 

As the driver continued to recklessly drive his vehicle in the yard, the property owner fired his handgun repeatedly into the ground until the driver complied with his commands to stop. Multiple sheriff's deputies responded to the disturbance and quickly secured the scene. The driver was arrested and charged with DUII and Criminal Mischief; he has since posted bail and been released.  The property owner's actions were also reviewed by the District Attorney's Office.

 

The DA's Office determined that criminal charges will not be filed against the property owner who fired rounds from his handgun.  This is because the investigation and evidence at the scene indicated he was in fear for his safety as the vehicle continued to be driven aggressively toward him and his house. 

 

It is extremely important that all gun owners know this decision is supported by the full facts and evidence of this specific incident, rather than those available in media coverage.  (Some facts are not releasable while the criminal case is pending against the driver.)

 

Community News

 

stack of newspapers 366x600"Rolling Stolen" near Beaverton

On August 9, Sergeant Rookhuyzen ran the license plate of the vehicle traveling in front of him on Highway 217 at Highway 26.  The vehicle was listed by the Oregon City Police Department as stolen on August 7. Deputies stopped the vehicle and arrested all three adult occupants for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and took them to jail.  

 

PGE Poser in Tanasbourne

On August 8, a person knocked on at least one door at the Tanasbrook Condominiums.  He was wearing a PGE jacket and claimed to be collecting payment on overdue PGE bills. The homeowner didn't fall for it. Always be wary of people who come to your door to collect money, especially on behalf of a utility company.  Do not hesitate to call police because you might prevent less savvy folks from becoming victims.

 

ATV Crash Leads to Criminal Charges - Gaston

Just after 1:00 am on August 3, deputies responded to an injury crash involving three juveniles who crashed and were ejected from an ATV. The driver was traveling too fast, failed to negotiate a curve, and crashed through a fence and into a tree on Parmele Road in Gaston. All three suffered serious injuries, with the driver transported by LifeFlight due to possible head trauma.  Drugs and alcohol are suspected to be a factor in this incident; toxicology test results are pending.  The Sheriff's Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team assisted with diagramming and processing the scene of this tragic crash.

 

Shooting in Cornelius

At 11:40 am on July 31, several people reported gunshots at an apartment complex on North Davis Street in Cornelius.  Deputies responded with a K9 and searched the area.  About six blocks from the scene, they found two males who had run from the scene.  They claimed to be victims.  Following interviews, one was arrested on an outstanding unrelated warrant and the other was released.  The investigation is ongoing.  Because people might begin to talk more freely about a crime as time passes, we encourage the public to share all tips.  Information that might seem insignificant might become a critical part of the investigation.  Please call non-emergency dispatch at (503) 629-0111.

 

Dumpster Fire Spreads Fast on 107th in Beaverton

On Sunday, July 28, at about 9:35 pm, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue responded to a dumpster fire at the Canyon Park Apartments.  The fire spread to a nearby carport and destroyed about 5 cars and damaged about 10 others.  No one was injured.  Residents reported seeing three kids running from the area before the fire.  Deputies and fire personnel are investigating.

 

High Risk Stop on Many Levels -- North Plains

On July 26, just after midnight, a deputy ran a license plate, determined that the registered vehicle owner was wanted by police, and that the current driver matched the owner's description.  Deputies stopped the vehicle and the driver said she was not that person, but when shown a photo, she started the vehicle and tried to flee with two children in the car.  She forcefully backed her car up and crashed into a Sheriff's Office Chevrolet Tahoe, then pulled forward and tried to position her vehicle to leave.  In the process, she latched on to an Acura parked in a driveway and forced it into the Tahoe.  Several deputies jumped to safety, but one was pinned between the vehicles.  They eventually broke the driver's window and removed the driver.  

 

Then the teenage daughter got out of the vehicle on the passenger side and tried to come to her mother's aid. She assaulted a deputy and was eventually restrained and taken to the Juvenile Department for Interfering with a Police Officer and Resisting Arrest.  A younger son in the back of the vehicle was absolutely terrified.  Once the driver was restrained, she went into a deep snore, yes, as in Zzzzzzzzzz.  After being determined to be medically stable, she was charged with Attempted Assault I (5 counts), Criminal Mischief II, and Recklessly Endangering her children (2 counts).  The deputy who was pinned between vehicles is expected to make a full recovery.

 

More Sheriff's Office Media Releases

7/12/14 - Deputies Catch Burglar After He Falls From a Tree 

7/12/14 - Deputies Respond to Fatal Motorcycle Crash

7/18/14 - Two Crashes End with Injuries and DUII Charges

8/05/14 - Sheriff's Office Seeks Citizen Academy Applicants 

8/10/14 - Small Plane Crash at North Plains Gliderport


 Ask Your Question
Sheriff, You've Got Mail!
  
Washington County Sheriff's Office badgeThank you to all our residents who take time to give Sheriff Garrett feedback on our services.  We thought you might like to read a few recent examples - they are truly representative of the dozens he receives every month:
  

 

You might also enjoy knowing Sheriff Garrett and our commanders take time to share positive feedback with all staff as encouragement and to reinforce your value for exceptional service. (Constructive feedback is shared by a supervisor to help employees improve.)    
  

Because We're Neighbors

Updates from Your Crime Prevention Team

 

Crime Prevention logo  

  
Lessons Learned from Burglaries in West Haven
  
Summer weather invites everyone outdoors for bike rides and walks. We often step out for a short time without thinking of locking our cars or homes. These habits, in part, made the West Haven neighborhood an easy crime target for burglars. In fact, detectives are still working leads to solve these crimes.
  
These savvy homeowners have since learned that a few simple steps can help prevent crime.  They secure their property and report suspicious people or vehicles.  They also know that if burglary strikes them, they need to preserve forensic evidence by not touching anything in the house.
  
Remember that unlocked doors or other easy targets invite criminals to "shop" in your neighborhood, so give your neighbor a friendly reminder to lock up when you see an open garage or front door.  Also, keep the non-emergency number handy, (503) 629-0111, so you can report a suspicious vehicle or person roaming in your area. It's completely okay to make criminals feel unwelcome.
  
  
Crime Maps Now Available

Instead of the static map of burglaries we usually offer, you can view all crimes reported in unincorporated Washington County using an interactive map!

  

This link to Crime Reports automatically opens with a view of all requests for police service (except traffic) in unincorporated Washington County during the last 30 days. 

 

  • Click on this link
  • Enter your address to view your area
  • Click on map markers to view call details
  • Used the Advanced Search to change time periods, add traffic data, etc.

Keep in mind, these are requests for police service, not confirmed crimes.  Also note that many cities do not submit information to this map system.  You can also scroll below the map to download an
 app to your iPhone and iPad.

  

Banks, Cornelius and Gaston - you are covered too.   Because the Sheriff's Office provides your city police services, we have loaded calls for your area as well.  Data begins as of July 2014.  Just type in your city and state in the search box (diagram right).
 

Summer Events Abound - Join Us!  

Visit the Sheriff's Community Calendar for summer celebrations, FREE Training, and safety events.

 

Ask Your Question

Policing in Cornelius

 

  

The first of July, your Sheriff's Office became the primary policing agency for the City of Cornelius.  I am Sheriff's Lieutenant Gene Moss, the new Chief of Police

      

Deputies are now answering all calls for service, monitoring traffic issues, and initiating contacts in the community.  We are also trying to remind people to take simple actions to avoid crime, such as locking their cars and closing garage doors.  If a deputy comes to your door while you're away, we will try to leave a business card to let you know the reason.

 

If we visit an apartment complex or a business after hours, deputies will leave an Incident Response Notice.  For instance, if a deputy conducts a security check for a business, he or she will leave an incident response notice to let the business manager know why they were there. 

 

 

If we respond to an apartment complex on a loud music complaint, disturbance call, or to serve an arrest warrant, they will leave a card to let the apartment manager know what transpired.  We have found this to be a welcome practice in other areas, and we are happy to extend it to Cornelius residents.

 

I will use this newsletter as one more way to keep in touch, but always feel free to ask a deputy questions, call when you need help, or just introduce yourself when we are out and about.

 

Sincerely, Chief Moss

 

 

A Ride Along With "Officer Friendly", Deputy Mark Trost (by the Portland Tribune)

http://portlandtribune.com/fgnt/36-news/226633-89096-cornelius-police-takeover-starts-with-officer-friendly

 

www.corneliuspolice.org

 
Explorers Rack Up Law Enforcement Challenge Awards
  
Four days of sweat and hard work paid off in early August when six members of the Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Explorer Post competed in the 35th Annual Law Enforcement Challenge.  This is the third year our volunteer youth troops have competed against cadet and explorer groups from throughout Oregon and Washington.  Our 6-member team took home a total of 14 awards:
  
  

3rd Place - 4 Man High Risk Traffic Stop- Curtis Lee, Brittany Chandler, Mitchell Anderson, Ryan Ward

2nd Place - 2 Person Building Search - Paul Valesano and Daryl Greaves

3rd Place  - Physical Agility Female - Brittany Chandler

2nd Place - Firearms Novice Shooter - Ryan Ward

1st Place  - Firearms Expert Shooter - Daryl Greaves

2nd Place - Firearms Master Shooter - Paul Valesano

2nd Place - Firearms Master Team - Brittany Chandler, Ryan Ward, Paul Valesano, Daryl Greaves

  
Congratulations on your outstanding achievement and thank you for representing Washington County well!   
 

 

Dumb Crook 

 

Shortly before noon on July 9, Portland Police's Mounted Patrol stopped to visit with some people in Old Town near 6th and Hoyt. 

 

While they were stopped, this month's dumb crook ran up from behind a police horse, "... issued a karate-like battle cry, and delivered a jumping, double-kick to the horse's right thigh."  Just take a moment to imagine that.  The horse outweighed him by about 1,000 pounds.   

 

The horse and officer took the crook into custody, charging him with Interfering with a Law Enforcement Animal.   Neither the horse or crook were injured.  

 

If that is not crazy enough, the crook also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

 

Give Feedback on this Issue of Sheriff's Office News!
This Month's "Most Wanted"  
 
The following people are wanted for committing crimes.  Do not approach them.  If you see them or have information to share with law enforcement, please call the Sheriff's 24-Hour Records Office at (503) 846-2700 or non-emergency dispatch at (503) 629-0111.
  
  
For more details on the crimes they committed or their physical description, click on any photo to visit:
 

 
  
  
   
 
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