Emergency Messages as of 6:21 pm, Fri. Sep. 18

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News Releases

Shelton booking photo and gun seized Man Arrested for Menacing After Pointing Gun During Parking Spot Dispute (Photo) - 09/18/20

- 09/18/20 On Friday, September 18, 2020 at 11:52 a.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a disturbance in the 4800 block of SW Laurelwood Avenue in Raleigh Hills. A woman reported that she arrived home and saw a male in a car parked in her assigned parking spot. She told the male driver not to park there and asked him to leave. During their verbal exchange, the male pointed a black handgun at the woman. The woman was able to provide deputies with a description of the male, his vehicle and the gun. Investigators quickly identified the suspect as 34-year-old Matthew R. Shelton of Hillsboro. A short time later, deputies located Mr. Shelton and his vehicle at an apartment complex in Hillsboro. A black semi-automatic handgun was also seized as part of the investigation. Mr. Shelton was arrested and booked into the Washington County Jail on charges of Menacing and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. The victim is willing to speak to the media. Interested media outlets should contact the PIO at 503-209-5613 to obtain her contact information. Attached Media Files: Media release in PDF format , Shelton booking photo and gun seized

Gun Photo Man Robs Taxi Driver but was Shot With His Own Gun During a Struggle (Photo) - 09/15/20

- 09/15/20 On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at 12:20 a.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a robbery call near the intersection of SW 188th Court and SW Farmington Road. When deputies arrived, they discovered 18-year-old Josiah Johnson had tried to rob a cab driver and was shot with his own gun during the robbery. The cab driver told deputies he picked Mr. Johnson up in Gresham, and once Mr. Johnson requested to go to the Aloha area, the cab driver asked for pre-payment or collateral due to the long drive. Mr. Johnson voluntarily gave the driver his cell phone, and then they drove to a home near the intersection of SW 188th Court and SW Farmington Road. When they arrived, Mr. Johnson tried to pay the cab driver with a fake 100 dollar bill, but the cab driver immediately recognized the bill was fraudulent. The cab driver still had possession of Mr. Johnson’s cell phone and had not been paid. Mr. Johnson pulled a gun out and pointed it at the back of the cab driver’s head. Mr. Johnson was yelling at the cab driver, but the cab driver was unable to understand Mr. Johnson. The cab driver told deputies he saw an opportunity to grab the gun from Mr. Johnson, so he did. A struggle occurred over the gun, and during the struggle, the gun discharged - striking Mr. Johnson. The bullet entered Mr. Johnson’s left hip and exited out his left buttocks. Both Mr. Johnson and the cab driver exited the vehicle, where the struggle continued. The cab driver was able to get the gun away from Mr. Johnson, throw it away from both of them, and yell for help. Community members from a nearby home heard the commotion and went to see what was going on. The community members helped the cab driver hold Mr. Johnson down and called 911. Deputies arrived shortly after. Mr. Johnson was arrested at the scene and transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released for his injuries. Mr. Johnson was lodged in the Washington County jail on the following charges: Robbery in the first degree

Assault in the fourth degree

Menacing

Unlawful use of a weapon

Criminal possession of a forged instrument in the first degree

Possession of a controlled substance – schedule IV Attached Media Files: PDF Media Release , Gun Photo , Booking Photo , photo

Mr. Willcutt booking photo Two Men Arrested During Fire Evacuation Zone Extra Patrols (Photo) - 09/11/20

- 09/11/20 During the past week, deputies have been providing around-the-clock extra patrols in the areas affected by both fires in Washington County: the Powerline Fire and the Chehalem Mountain-Bald Peak Fire. Even as some evacuation levels are being lowered, deputies will continue to patrol those areas to help ensure community safety and to make sure emergency crews can reach the fire zones. All of Henry Hagg Lake and its recreation areas remain closed since the lake is being used as an aerial water source for the Chehalem Mountain-Bald Peak Fire. On September 10, 2020, deputies arrested two people who illegally entered the closed area around Henry Hagg Lake. Just before 7 p.m., a patrol sergeant found a suspicious vehicle near the Twin Oaks turn-out. The driver, 59-year-old Clyde Willcutt of Portland, admitted to driving around the road closure barriers. Mr. Willcutt’s license was suspended at the felony level, and he was arrested for driving on a criminally suspended license. Around 10 p.m., deputies patrolling the roads around the lake found a suspicious vehicle near Sain Creek. 27-year-old Alejandro Galvan Acosta, of Portland, was found inside a truck with an underage girl. Mr. Galvan Acosta was arrested for sexual abuse in the second degree and unlawful delivery of marijuana to a minor. Deputies appreciate the cooperation of the vast majority of the public in following closure orders so we can continue to focus on life safety, securing evacuated areas, and supporting fire crews. Attached Media Files: Media Release , Mr. Willcutt booking photo , Mr. Galvan Acosta booking photo

Stolen Cars Help Needed to Identify Suspects in Rash of Stolen Cars, Burglaries (Photo) - 09/07/20

- 09/07/20 During the morning of September 7, 2020, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies began getting calls from people reporting a wide-spread series of overnight burglaries, stolen cars, and car break-ins. The crimes were reported at multiple addresses north of Highway 26 in and around the communities of Cedar Mill and Bethany. Deputies have confirmed six houses were burglarized, three cars and one motorcycle were stolen, and nine vehicles had things stolen out of them. Deputies later found the stolen motorcycle ditched nearby. The three stolen vehicles: dark blue 2013 Mercedes sedan, plate information not available

white 2012 BMW SUV, Oregon plate 088 JXJ

black 2009 BMW SUV, Oregon plate 121 KEX Detectives from the Property Crimes Unit were notified and the Forensic Science Unit responded to help process evidence. Surveillance video of two suspects is available here: bit.ly/3bB2q2H The Sheriff’s Office is asking people who have security cameras to check their footage, with particular focus between midnight and 5 a.m. on September 7, 2020. The attached map shows the general areas where the crimes were reported. If you have information about these crimes or suspects, please call non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111. Deputies would like to remind people to follow the 9 p.m. routine to help reduce the chance your property is stolen: lock up your car, house, windows, garage, gates, shed

turn on exterior lights, security cameras, alarm systems

bring in valuables from your car, yard, patio Attached Media Files: Media Release , Stolen Cars , Map

Joint Labor Day Weekend DUII Mission Starts Friday - 09/03/20

- 09/03/20 On Friday, September 4, 2020, law enforcement officers from several local agencies will join forces for a targeted DUII enforcement mission along major roadways in Washington County, including Highway 26 and Highway 217. National statistics show an increase in the number of traffic fatalities, including a higher death rate during holiday weekends like Labor Day. This three-day mission is designed to educate and deter people from getting behind the wheel while impaired and to take enforcement against impaired drivers. Dozens of officers will saturate the area to focus on drivers impaired by alcohol, drugs, or any controlled substances. Officers trained as drug recognition experts will be on scene to evaluate drivers who are under the influence of controlled substances, such as marijuana. The following agencies are scheduled to participate: Beaverton Police Department

Hillsboro Police Department

Tigard Police Department

Sherwood Police Department

King City Police Department

Oregon State Police

Washington County Sheriff’s Office The agencies will be supported by dispatchers from the Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency (WCCCA) and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD). If you decide to celebrate the holiday weekend with alcohol or drugs, please be safe and avoid getting behind the wheel. Make plans beforehand to get a ride from a sober friend, use public transportation, call a taxi, or use a ridesharing service. Attached Media Files: PDF Version

Statement from Sheriff Pat Garrett - 08/31/20

- 08/31/20 Yesterday, Governor Brown issued a statement asking local law enforcement leaders to provide personnel and resources to assist the Portland Police Bureau (PPB), following Saturday's shooting death that was connected to protests. As Washington County Sheriff, I commit to support PPB through indirect ways, like analyzing risks associated with social media, air support, assisting with a specific criminal investigation, etc. At this time, I do not plan to send deputies to work directly in Portland. PPB is a terrific partner and I am very sympathetic to what they are enduring. However, the lack of political support for public safety, the uncertain legal landscape, the current volatility combined with intense scrutiny on use of force presents an unacceptable risk if deputies were deployed directly. Lastly, I support the steps outlined in the Joint Media Release by the Oregon State Sheriff's Association and the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, and remain committed to work with partners and community leaders towards peace and an end to violence. Attached Media Files: PDF Version of statement

shot car Update: Deputies Seeking Public's Help Locating Suspect in Cornelius Shooting (Photo) - 08/30/20

- 08/30/20 UPDATE: Jordan Brown turned himself in to deputies tonight after seeing himself on the news. He called at least two local news organizations to get help turning himself in. After receiving information from the news organizations, deputies contacted Mr. Brown and arranged to meet him so he could turn himself in. Mr. Brown was booked into the Washington County Jail on charges of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Attempted Assault in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person. ****************************************************************** On Saturday, August 29, 2020, at 5:22 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies serving the City of Cornelius responded to a shooting call at the intersection of South 26th Avenue and South Baseline Street. A nearby deputy was flagged down by the victim about the time the 911 call was being dispatched. The victim told the deputy the suspect fled in a Grey 2006 Chrysler 300. The 31-year-old male victim told the deputy that he had been at an acquaintances house in Cornelius. The acquaintance, 31-year-old Jordan Curry Brown, became angry with the victim for an unknown reason. The victim decided to leave before the argument escalated. The victim drove about three blocks from Mr. Brown’s residence and was stopped at the stoplight when Mr. Brown pulled up alongside the victim and fired at least one shot toward the victim’s head. The bullet barely missed the victim, traveling behind the driver's side headrest and exiting through the passenger side front window. Mr. Brown’s vehicle was located about an hour later at North 21st Avenue and North Holliday Street in Cornelius. The car was unoccupied. Deputies used a K9 to attempt to locate Mr. Brown, but they were unsuccessful. The car was seized and will be processed for evidence. Deputies are asking the public’s help in locating Mr. Brown. If you have seen Mr. Brown or know his whereabouts, please call 911. Mr. Brown is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. Note: the attached mug shot is from an April 2019 arrest. Attached Media Files: Press Release , shot car , Suspect mug shot from 2019 , current mug shot

mug shot 13-Year-Old Boy struck by Boat and Killed at Hagg Lake (Photo) - 08/29/20

- 08/29/20 On Friday, August 28, 2020, at 4:59 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to multiple 911 calls at Hagg Lake in western Washington County. Callers were reporting that a person had been struck by a boat in the water and was severely injured. Deputies responded to the south side of the lake where the incident occurred. They found people rendering aid on the beach to a severely injured 13-year-old boy. Life Flight was activated and launched but was later turned back by paramedics on the scene who declared the victim deceased. After speaking to witnesses, deputies believe the victim and his two younger brothers were playing in the water near the shore. His grandparents and mother were on the shore watching them play. Witnesses said 21-year-old Hector Miranda-Bernal of Aloha was driving a 2002 Bluewater fiberglass ski-boat (18.5 foot) near the shore and struck the victim. Mr. Miranda-Bernal was driving the boat in a no-wake zone at excess speed. Mr. Miranda-Bernal stopped the boat and assisted in rendering aid to the victim. Deputies investigating the incident suspected that Mr. Miranda-Bernal was impaired by intoxicants and driving recklessly when he struck the victim. He was arrested and eventually booked into the Washington County Jail on the following charges: Manslaughter in the second degree

Operating a boat while under the influence of intoxicants (BUII)

Recklessly endangering another person His bail was set at $250,000. The investigation is ongoing, and sheriff's deputies ask that anyone who witnessed the event please call non-emergency dispatch (503-629-0111.) The name of the victim is not being released at this time to ensure all family notifications have been made. With temperatures remaining very warm and the upcoming holiday weekend approaching, the Washington County Sheriff's Office wants to remind anyone engaging in activities on the water to be extremely cautious and to avoid alcohol, especially when operating a boat. Attached Media Files: Press Release , mug shot , Pic , Pic

Information on the Death at Hagg Lake - 08/28/20

- 08/28/20 Many of you are on deadline for your stories and because of that, I am releasing the name and charges of the man driving the boat that ran over the young male at Hagg lake today. A press release will follow later. His name is Hector Alexis Miranda-Bernal (DOB - 04-05-1999) from Aloha. He is being charged with Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Boating under the Influence of Intoxicants (BUII), and Recklessly Endangering Another Person. We do not have a mug shot at this time. Also, the young man killed today was 13 years old and not 14 years old. His name is not being released at this time. You all have the latest information on the incident. because the investigation is ongoing, no further details will be released tonight.

Nicholas San Nicolas Detectives Seek Public's Help in Locating Armed Kidnapping Suspects (Photo) - 08/27/20

- 08/27/20 On Thursday, August 27, 2020, at 3:30 p.m., Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the Forest Ridge Apartments located at 7330 SW 204th Avenue in the community of Aloha. Deputies learned that a 22-year-old male was standing outside his apartment when two men approached with guns drawn. Deputies learned that 31-year-old Nicholas San Nicolas forced the victim into the victim's Nissan truck and drove off. San Nicolas' accomplice followed San Nicolas in a 2016 or 2017 dark blue BMW Z3. One of the victim's family members suspected the victim had been taken and began driving around the area looking for the victim's vehicle. Less than 10 minutes after the kidnapping, the family members saw the Nissan truck near the intersection of SW 185th Avenue and SW Farmington Road. The family member saw that the victim was in danger and subsequently rammed the Nisan truck. Shortly after getting rammed, San Nicolas pushed the victim out of the Nissan truck and onto the road near the intersection. The victim was later transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. San Nicolas drove off in the victim's Nissan truck, described as a late 90's body style, with red seats, and purple straps in the bed. San Nicolas is a male Pacific Islander, approximately 5' 4" tall and weighing 230 pounds. His hair is currently long and tied in a ponytail. San Nicolas' accomplice is also an adult male Pacific Islander. Both San Nicolas and his accomplice are wanted for several crimes, including kidnapping in the first degree, felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, menacing, and an outstanding felony warrant. San Nicolas and his accomplice are considered armed and dangerous. If you have information about the location of San Nicolas or the identity of his accomplice, please call 911. The Washington County Sheriff's Office urges community members not to approach either male. Attached Media Files: PDF Media Release , Nicholas San Nicolas , Stolen Truck , Media Release Graphic

Deputy McLaughlin Deputy Arrests His 2,000th Impaired Driver (Photo) - 08/23/20

- 08/23/20 On Friday, August 21, 2020, Deputy Jason McLaughlin arrested the 2,000th impaired driver of his career. Deputy McLaughlin started with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in 2004 as a Patrol Deputy. During his 16-year tenure, Deputy McLaughlin has been part of the Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART) and the Traffic Safety Unit as the dedicated DUII Enforcement Deputy for seven years. Deputy McLaughlin has been a Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) Instructor since 2009 and taught at the Department of Public Safety Standard and Training (DPSST) Police Academy from 2009 to 2014. Deputy McLaughlin’s passion for enforcing DUII laws comes from attending the funeral of a friend who died in a DUII crash. Deputy McLaughlin stated, “I have worked my entire career working graveyard, sacrificing family time to make sure the roads are safe, saving lives every night, reminding people not to take risks with their lives.” Deputy McLaughlin is available for interviews. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the community that DUIIs are 100% preventable. Please be responsible when consuming alcoholic beverages or any other intoxicant. Plan ahead, use a designated driver, order a taxi/rideshare service. Attached Media Files: PDF Version , Deputy McLaughlin