Sheriff's Office News

Sheriff Pat Garrett
Warning about iPhone Gun-Shaped Case 
and Replica Guns

This month, I joined several law enforcement agencies across the county in speaking up against a new iPhone case that looks very much like a real handgun. This phone case joins many other 'replica guns' that potentially pose a danger to our community. This dangerously realistic gun-shaped phone case is being marketed as "cool and trendy" when, in fact, the consequences of quickly pulling it out of a pocket or bag could be catastrophic depending on the situation at hand.

Like with any replica gun this phone case could also be mistaken by the public as a real gun, prompting calls to 911. It is not uncommon for deputies to respond to a "person with a gun" report, only to find out it is a replica gun. When this happens it has the potential to take deputies away from actual emergency calls. 

My deputies work hard every day to ensure their interactions with the public are as safe and peaceful as possible. While official statistics are hard to find, the reports of deaths, injuries and close calls involving replica guns are becoming increasingly more common across the nation. It is my hope that you will partner with us to keep our community safer by not purchasing a replica gun of any kind.
Marine Patrol on Duty

Henry Hagg Lake (map) is a popular summertime destination for Washington County residents, especially during the recent warm days. Our marine deputies asked us to remind everyone to make safety a priority.

Following the tragic drowning of four Hillsboro family members last year, a coalition of public agencies, including your Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol and SafeKids Washington County, have taken action to promote greater safety in and around the water.

There are now nine loaner stations at Hagg Lake that offer free use of life jackets to visitors. Simply borrow them for your visit and return them before you leave.The stations also include other safety options, such as emergency throw rings and wrist bands with whistles. 

Be safe and have a terrific time on the water!  Related media release.

Unforgettable Crimes -- Where Are They Now?



Criminals can be a little like former classmates.  They don't show up for high school reunions, and everyone asks, "What happened to him" or "Where is she now?" 

Below are several criminals who were convicted of some unforgettable crimes in Washington County.  Thanks to diligent investigative work by Sheriff's Detectives and Deputies in 2014, they are serving long sentences in prison.

 

Thomas Davis 

Life, 25 years minimum

 

For attempting to sexually assault a jogger in Aloha on December 27, 2012. He waited to ambush the jogger at an isolated spot near SW 209th Avenue, but she fought back! Sheriff's investigators were able to collect saliva from the victim's glove and tie it to Davis. As a previous sex offender, he was eligible for life in prison under Oregon's three-strikes law.

Christian DeLaurentiis

Life, 41 years minimum

 

Pled guilty to aggravated murder in Aloha. He admitted to stabbing his roommate to death, dismembering the body, and storing the parts in a freezer. Investigators had to recover and reassemble the body. DeLaurentis also pled guilty in federal court to several bank robberies.

 

Petronilo Lopez Minjarez

Life, 25 years minimum after second trial

 

Initially sentenced to life without parole for the Aggravated Murder of Darvin Lopez Jovel and for dumping the body on a logging road outside of the town of Banks, Oregon in 2006. Lopez Minjarez won a new trial following appeal, and he was convicted by a jury for Felony Murder.

 

Leo Robles

9 years, 2 months

 

Pled guilty to robbing Dotty's Deli in Aloha and assaulting the store clerk. He hit her in the head with a socket extender until she collapsed, then stole lottery tickets and a small amount of cash. The clerk suffered significant head injuries. He had also robbed a bank shortly before the Dotty's incident.
 

 Steven Rockett
 52 years

Rockett was found guilty of sexually abusing at least five children in Forest Grove for over four years. He was also sentenced for using a hidden camera in his bathroom to photograph two other children while they showered. He tried to change his mind about pleading guilty, but his request was denied. He is set to go to trial on an array of federal sexual abuse charges involving children in the Philippines.

 

Sheriff's investigators never give up on solving past homicide cases, even when it may seem that there are no active leads or no known suspects.  This month, the 1982 case on the Aggravated Murder of Lori Billingsley in Aloha finally came to an end.  

As years pass, often new information can become available as relationships change or new evidence can be discovered due to advances in science.  In the case of Ms. Billingsley, advances in DNA processing produced evidence that led to the conviction of Kenneth Lee Hicks of St. Helens, Oregon, on July 2.  On Monday, July 13, Hicks was sentenced to life in prison.
The Jail is Working to Reduce Repeat Offenders

The Washington County Jail contracted with a new correctional healthcare provider effective July 1. NaphCare provides all healthcare services in the jail, and a few new ones.

With NaphCare, we have a more robust Discharge Planning Program.  In addition to housing, employment and transportation needs, inmates can begin planning for mental health and medical needs before they leave jail.

All inmates are eligible for the Discharge Planning Program, so everyone has an equal opportunity to make a first step toward better life choices. 
Watch Out for Roaming Paving Companies 

"We are doing a paving job nearby and have extra asphalt from that job that we can sell to you at a great price."

Summer is time for home and yard improvement projects, and contractors often come from other states to offer their services. Unfortunately, many illegitimate businesses use unskilled labor for roofing, paving, or other projects.  They might even offer a warranty.  In the end, the work is low quality and they disappear for good.

They work without Oregon business licenses or permits, and most often pay cash for their supplies to avoid detection.

All offers are not fraudulent. Watch for companies and vehicles registered to other states and be cautious.  You can quickly research a company's authenticity, licenses or bonds, and see if complaints have been filed against them by other customers:
Community News

Naked Man Running Around 
06-23-15 -- Aloha -- Around 8:00 on a Tuesday morning, deputies responded to a report of a naked man running in the area of Blanton and SW 160th Avenue. Callers reported he appeared high on an unknown type of drug and deputies recognized it might be a case of "excited delirium."  

Deputies were able to slow down the incident and developed a plan to quickly take him into custody while minimizing the potential for injury. The man suffered no injuries and was immediately placed in the care of medical staff and transported to a hospital for evaluation and treatment. Solid training. Great police work.

Riot at Aloha Sports Bar
06-27-15 -- Aloha -- At 2:24 am, deputies and Beaverton Police responded to an Assault with a Weapon call at a local sports bar parking lot. The victim had been struck in the head with a stick with nails. Multiple people were fleeing the scene. 

Officers stopped a vehicle and detained four uncooperative suspects.  Witness statements connected them to the fight, and police recovered the weapon in a nearby dumpster. In all, five men were arrested for multiple charges including  Criminal Conspiracy, Assault II, Menacing, Riot, Unlawful Use of Weapon, and an outstanding warrant. We thank all our partner agencies, including the Interagency Gang Enforcement Team.

 
Armed Robbery Suspects Arrested 
06-25-15 -- Tigard -- Around 2:00 am, Sheriff's Deputies and police officers from King City, Sherwood and Tigard responded to an armed robbery in the victim's driveway.  One suspect was wearing a mask in the style of the movie, "V for Vendetta." The other held up a silver gun and demanded property. The two male suspects stole the victim's car keys, cell phones, wallet, a small safe with money, and multiple other items. 

Police located the suspect vehicle filled with the stolen property at a nearby Bi-Mart. In fact, they seized more than 50 items of evidence, including a journal on "How to Commit a Robbery."  The suspects were arrested for Menacing, Theft I, Robbery I, Pointing Firearm at Another, Unlawful Use of Weapon, and Felon in Possession of Weapons. Excellent cooperation among local police helped to get these violent criminals off the street. 




K9 Stark Captures Two Suspects in a Day

07-04-15 -- Cornelius -- At 5:44 pm, a deputy serving the City of Cornelius stopped a vehicle involved in thefts from vehicles at Hagg Lake. The driver pulled into the Cornelius Walmart parking lot and fled on foot. After a short track by Deputy Akin and Stark, the man was taken into custody.

07-04-15 -- Beaverton -- Three hours later, a deputy attempted to stop a car on SW Scholls Ferry Road at SW Murray Boulevard. After a short pursuit, the driver stopped and fled on foot. Deputy Akin and K-9 Stark tracked the suspect who was taken to jail.  

Both men were arrested on multiple charges.





More Sheriff's Office Media Releases

Summer Events in Washington County

July 17-19
July 30 - August 2
August 4
Come Behind the Scenes at Your Sheriff's Office 
September 1 - November 10, 2015, Tuesdays, 6 pm - 9:30 pm 


Interested in learning about your Sheriff's Office? The Community Public Safety Academy is designed to give participants a view from behind the badge of training, policies, and the many units and divisions at the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Through your participation in this program, you are promoting community involvement, which is one of the most powerful alliances law enforcement agencies have in the fight against crime. This is an excellent opportunity to meet and interact with the members of your Sheriff's Office and to learn about issues that concern you. 

Contact Community Outreach Specialist Darlene Schnoor at (503) 846-2774.
Washington County Outdoor Burn Ban in Effect

Our hot and dry weather has prompted the Washington County Fire Defense Board and the Oregon Department of Forestry to issue a burn ban in Washington County. The ban will remain in effect until weather conditions minimize the fire danger.

NOT ALLOWED:
  • Backyard burning (yard debris, etc.)
  • Agricultural burning
  • Land clearing
ALLOWED WITH CAUTION:
  • Small backyard fire pits
  • Outdoor and portable fireplaces
The slightest breeze can catch surrounding vegetation on fire under these conditions. Please obey the rules with a hose nearby, and keep enjoying those s'mores!

Conditions may change at any time, so be sure to check with local fire authorities for updates.

Still have questions? Check out these helpful links:
Crime Reports icon
Where Have Deputies Been Working?
Find Out Through Crime Reports Online

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
  • If you live in Banks, Cornelius or Gaston, type your city in this format: "Cornelius, OR"
  • Click on map markers to view call details
  • Use the Advanced Search to change time periods, add traffic data, etc.

Keep in mind, these are requests for police service, not confirmed crimes.
Believe it or Not!
Sugar and spice and everything not nice . . . 

Dumb Crook in a white truck
Deputies responded to a report of a man rummaging around a vacant house. The caller said it looked like someone was stealing firewood. When deputies arrived, the man was already gone.

Deputies soon located a vehicle with a tow trailer at a bar that matched the description seen at the vacant house. When asked where he was earlier in the day, the suspect said he had been doing "some work at a house" in the area.

He was arrested for Theft II for stealing firewood, Criminal Trespass II for entering private property, and Theft III. Theft III is stealing property with a value lower than $100 - no kidding, he was hiding a sugar shaker he took from the bar.
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.



Wanted flyers are online - click on a photo or visit:
 
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