The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office has continued to increase its patrols in August 2019, with a focus on reducing impaired-driver crashes.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2014 there were 9,967 people killed as a result of impaired driving crashes. This staggering statistic amounts to one alcohol-impaired traffic fatality every 53 minutes. Nationally, impaired-driver crashes accounted for 31 percent of traffic fatalities in 2014.
It is the goal of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office to help avoid these completely preventable tragedies in August and beyond.
Many of these patrols will be focusing on roadways near waterways within Clackamas County. Excessive alcohol is potentially dangerous when combined with water recreation. Please use extreme caution if using impairing substances while also enjoying Clackamas County's aquatic resources —and if you do use impairing substances, please have a sober driver and boat operator.
Everyone can play a role in preventing impaired drivers. If you witness impaired driving, don’t hesitate to report it to your local authorities — it may save a life.
Please enjoy your time with friends and family as summer break begins to wind down, and please drive safe and sober.
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UPDATE (Tuesday, Aug. 13) -- VICTIM IDs, CAUSE OF DEATH, ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Clackamas County Sheriff's Office detectives are continuing their investigation into the two suspicious deaths.
CRIME SCENE LOCATION: The two bodies were found in the vicinity of a shooting pit off 4615 Road and the 130 Spur in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The crime scene surrounding this shooting pit is now processed and cleared.
CAUSE OF DEATH AND VICTIM IDs: Autopsies of the deceased by the State Medical Examiner now complete. The Medical Examiner determined that both victims died of homicidal violence.
The victims can now be identified as Stacy Jean Rickerd, 42, of Estacada and Jeremy David Merchant, 43, of Estacada.
TIPS STILL SOUGHT: Investigators continue to follow up on leads; anyone with information is urged to contact the Sheriff's Office Tip Line at 503-723-4949 or https://web3.clackamas.us/contact/tip.jsp -- please reference CCSO Case # 19-018794.
MORE INFORMATION ON DOG FOUND AT SCENE: More details on the dog discovered alive near the bodies: His name is "Talladega." Deputies and investigators devised a unique plan to safely capture Talladega when they first encountered him at the crime scene. Deputies flew the CSI team's four-prop drone nearby to distract the dog while slipping a catch-pole around the animal's neck. One deputy on-scene described him as a "sweet dog," and he appears to be unharmed. Talladega was initially transferred to Clackamas County Dog Services, and has since been placed with family members of the deceased.
Photos of Talladega are attached.
[END UPDATE]
EARLIER (Monday, Aug. 12) -- Sheriff's Office investigating two suspicious deaths near Estacada; tips sought
Please reference CCSO Case # 19-018794
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating two suspicious deaths near Estacada.
At 9:45 a.m. on August 12, 2019, Sheriff’s Office deputies along with U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officers responded to a 911 call reporting the discovery of two bodies near Estacada, in the Mt. Hood National Forest. Upon arrival, deputies found the bodies, an adult male and an adult female. A dog was also at the scene, alive, unhurt and near the bodies. The dog was safely corraled and placed in the care of Clackamas County Dog Services.
The Clackamas County Medical Examiner’s Office, Clackamas County Sheriff’s detectives and Crime Scene Investigators, Clackamas County Criminal Reconstruction and Forensic Technicians (CRAFT), and the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office also responded to the scene. Currently Sheriff's Office detectives and CSI technicians are currently processing the crime scene.
Identifications of the deceased and family notifications are pending at this writing. The names of the deceased and other investigative details cannot be released at this time.
The State Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct autopsies of the bodies to determine the cause of death.
ADDITIONAL TIPS SOUGHT
The Sheriff’s Office is seeking additional information in this case. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line— by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online email form at https://web3.clackamas.us/contact/tip.jsp. Please reference CCSO Case #19-018794
[END]
UPDATE: B-roll video of the rope rescue is now available at this Dropbox link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/b0twm7iprnzcqz0/2019-08-12-RopeRescueVideo.mp4?dl=0
EARLIER:
Please reference CCSO Case # 19-018812
Just after noon on Monday, Aug. 12, 2019, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a report of an injured male on the Molalla River, near Milepost 6 on Molalla Forest Rd.
The injured male's son flagged down a passerby who contacted authorities for help.
Deputies and Molalla Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and located the injured man -- Martin Stipp, 58, of Tracy, CA.
Officials learned Mr. Stipp had swung on a rope with the intent of jumping into the Molalla River. He landed on a rock and likely fractured his leg.
The subject was at the bottom of an embankment and would require a technical rope rescue to lift him up to where first responders could treat and transport him.
Clackamas Fire District #1 responded with a ladder truck. Meanwhile, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office deployed Search & Rescue deputies and members of the CCSO Water Rescue Team.
Using the extended ladder from the fire engine, rescuers worked together to hoist the Mr. Stipp in a Stokes basket. He was then transported by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment.
Photos from today's rescue operation are attached.
A May video of our Water Rescue Team on a high-angle rope training exercise can be found here: https://youtu.be/dR3x6zw2C7M
[END]
UPDATE
Daniel Wayne Findley was contacted around 4:00 a.m. by patrol deputies on August 10, 2019 (corrected date). He was called in as a suspicious person in the area of Hwy 224 and 197th Ave. Deputies located Findley in a disheveled condition. He requested to go to the hospital.
Deputies learned who he was and detained him. Clackamas Fire District #1 and American Medical Response came to the scene to check on Findley. He was then transported to the Clackamas County Jail without incident and later interviewed by an investigator from the Clackamas County Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team (DVERT).
Findley was booked at the jail on the following charges. Attempted Assault II, Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver (Injury), and Reckless Endangering.
EARLIER
The driver of the van was identifed as Daniel Wayne Findley, 51 of Portland. He has not been located. A previous booking photo is attached. If you see Findley or know his whearabouts you are aked to call 911. He is wanted for Assualt 4, Reckless Endangering and Failure to Preform the Duties of a Driver.
Reference Clackamas County case #19-018527
EARLIER
On August 8, 2019 at approximately 6:30 p.m., deputies from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a van that had driven into the Clackamas River at the Barton Park boat ramp.
When deputies arrived they heard the van had been occupied by a male and a female. The male was driving and the two are married. The female stated the male had turned into the park without saying anything. They were not intending on going to Barton Park. The male drove to the boat ramp and accelerated, still without saying anything.
The van entered the river at about 35-40 mph. The female injured her knee due to the impact. They were both able to exit the submerging van through the driver’s door. The male made his way to the center of the river and began to float downstream. The female made her way to shore where she was assisted by people there.
Deputies responded to the area and deployed marine units and their boats, the Water Rescue Team, and a canine team to search for the male. The Clackamas County Water Rescue Consortium deployed to the location to in case a water rescue was needed. The suspect was not located.
The water rescue team worked with Clackamas River Towing to remove the half-submerged van from the water.
Deputies investigated the incident and determined they had probable cause to arrest the driver for Assault IV Domestic Violence. Deputies are still looking for the suspect.
The suspect and victim will not be identified at this time.
[END]
UPDATE
The Clackamas County Sheriff's deputies and Clackmas fire fighters located Eloise last night on the Springwater Trail near Luther Rd just after midnight, August 9, 2019. She was found to be dehydrated and transported to an area hospital for evaluation. Her family was notified. Thank you for keeping an eye out.
EARLIER
Please reference CCSO Case # 19-018199
The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help as it searches for 72-year-old Eloise Murphy, missing from the Oak Grove area since July 30.
She travels with her large black cat, who rides in a blue stroller.
Eloise Murphy left her Oak Grove/Milwaukie home around Tuesday, July 30, 2019 and has not been seen since.
Ms. Murphy frequents the TriMet system and travels to Portland often. This includes the SE 82nd and Holgate areas, along with SE 52nd and Foster Rd. Ms. Murphy travels with her overweight black cat, who rides in a blue children's stroller.
Know her whereabouts? Contact us at 503-723-4949 or 503-655-8211 or http://web3.clackamas.us/contact/tip.jsp -- please reference CCSO Case # 19-018199.
A bulletin and photos are attached.
[END]
The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office and other agencies are responding to a fatal accident at Pendarvis Farm in Happy Valley, where two arborists were killed in a boom-lift accident that occurred while the arborists were helping take down shades that were strung over the grounds at the Pickathon music festival.
The incident occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. today (Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019). The two arborists were private contractors, helping to break down a shade installation at the Pickathon festival, which concluded Aug. 4. Crews were taking down the festival sets and equipment and had expected to conclude their work Friday.
Early reports from the scene are that the arborists had been ascending in a boom lift before climbing further up trees to get to ropes holding up the complex shade installation. They were wearing safety equipment and were roped to the boom lift, which was reportedly positioned on an incline.
The arborists were approximately 40 feet in the air when the boom lift tilted and fell. The arborists, still roped to the boom, were pulled to the ground with considerable force. Attempts at CPR were unsuccessful.
Several agencies reported to the scene, including Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Patrol deputies and CSI technicians, Clackamas Fire District #1, the Clackamas County Medical Examiner's Office, Happy Valley PD, and American Medical Response.
At this writing investigators are still processing the scene, and the owner of the farm is cooperating fully with authorities. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) officials will report to the scene to further investigate the accident.
The Medical Examiner's Office had determined that the two fatalities are likely accidental deaths. The names of the deceased will not be released at this time pending family notifications.
Photos from the accident scene are attached.
Pickathon organizers have released a statement about the accident here:
https://pickathon.com/2019/08/a-tragic-loss-during-pickathon-breakdown/
[END]
Suspect just arraigned in similar April case at Town Center bookstore
Please reference CCSO Case # 19-018097
The suspect in an April inappropriate-touching case at Clackamas Town Center was just arrested again on new harassment charges stemming from an August incident at the Happy Valley Library -- and authorities are looking for possible additional victims.
On Aug. 7, suspect Justin Carl Phelps was at the Clackamas County Courthouse for his arraignment on an April 13 incident in which he was caught on camera inappropriately touching bookstore patrons.
As he was leaving the courthouse following that arraignment, a Sheriff's Office detective contracted to Happy Valley PD arrested Phelps on a new, unrelated charge of harassment. In this new incident, Phelps is accused of following a woman around the Happy Valley Library on Saturday, Aug. 3 at approximately 4 p.m. He reportedly inappropriately touched the woman, followed her to her car, and then continued to follow her in his own vehicle after she drove away.
A photo of Phelps taken by the woman during this alleged harassment is attached.
A new booking photo of Phelps is attached. In the new photo, he is clean-shaven; in the April booking photo (also attached), he was bearded.
Detectives are concerned that Phelps may be escalating his alleged behavior.
Investigators would like to know if you have been inappropriately touched or followed by Phelps or if you have witnessed him engaging in inappropriate behavior in the Clackamas/Happy Valley area.
Phelps drives a gold 2-door Acura sedan with Oregon Crater Lake license plates. Photos of this vehicle are attached.
ADDITIONAL VICTIMS SOUGHT
The Sheriff’s Office is seeking possible additional victims. Anyone with information on Justin Phelps or who has been inappropriately followed, contacted or touched by Phelps is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line — by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online email form at https://web3.clackamas.us/contact/tip.jsp . Please reference CCSO Case # 19-018097.
Three Clackamas County cities -- Happy Valley, Estacada and Wilsonville -- contract with the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office to provide municipal police services.
The April press release on Phelps' arrest in the Town Center incident is below.
APRIL PRESS RELEASE FOR PREVIOUS SEPARATE INCIDENT INVOLVING JUSTIN PHELPS:
https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/2019-04-23-CCSOPR-BookstoreSuspectHunt.html
UPDATE -- Suspect Arrest: Sheriff's Office seeks tips after suspect caught on video inappropriately touching bookstore customers
Posted: April 24, 2019
Please reference CCSO Case # 19-008639
Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Clackamas Town Center after a citizen called 911 to report seeing the suspect from this case.
The witness followed the suspect as he walked through the mall -- providing dispatch with updates which helped several deputies and mall security locate and contact the suspect.
The subject they stopped was identified as Justin Carl Phelps, 38, of Clackamas.
Phelps matched the description of the suspect, and was wearing some of the same clothing. He had also been named by members of the public who had called in tips to the Sheriff’s Office today.
Phelps was arrested and booked into Clackamas County Jail on 10 charges of Harassment (ORS 166.065), an A misdemeanor. Bail was set at $25,000. A booking photo is attached.
ADDITIONAL VICTIMS STILL SOUGHT: Deputies are still encouraging other victims to contact the Sheriff’s Office. If you would like to file a report, please call our Non-Emergency Line at 503-655-8211. Please reference CCSO Case # 19-008639.
EARLIER:
Please reference CCSO Case #19-008639
Surveillance video of suspect (.mp4 format):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7rvujtt2u4a0mlt/CCSOCase19-008639-SuspectCloseUps.mp4?dl=0
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public's help as it works to identify an adult male who was inappropriately touching women as he walked past them at the Clackamas Town Center Barnes & Noble bookstore on Saturday, April 13, 2019.
Selected surveillance video of the suspect is linked above, and photos are attached.
The incidents occurred between 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 13. One incident was reported to the Barnes & Noble management, who then contacted the Sheriff’s Office; while reviewing video surveillance of the suspect, investigators observed the suspect wandering the store and deliberately subjecting several other women to similar unwanted contact.
As seen in the above-linked video and attached photos, the suspect was a bearded male wearing glasses, jeans, two-tone high-top shoes (possibly grey or camo green), a dark zip-up jacket over a dark t-shirt, and a dark-colored knit cap.
TIPS SOUGHT
Anyone with information on the suspect or potential victims is urged to contact the Sheriff's Office -- by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online email form at https://web3.clackamas.us/contact/tip.jsp . Please reference case #19-008639.
[END]