UPDATE - Battle Ground Police Arrest 41-Year-Old In Child Sexual Assault Investigation (Photo) - 01/22/26

Update 1/22/2026 - 1:55pm - The Battle Ground Police Department is releasing a photo of suspect Christopher Lee Morrissey (41) that was obtained from social media.  

Anyone with information about Morrissey or this investigation, including potential victims, is encouraged to contact Battle Ground Police Department Detective Sergeant Josh Phelps at (360) 342-5241 or by email at joshua.phelps@cityofbg.org.

#### Original Release Below #####

On January 21, 2026, detectives with the Battle Ground Police Department arrested Christopher Lee Morrissey (41) on suspicion of Rape of a Child in the Third Degree. The arrest stems from an investigation that began in 2022 involving a 14-year-old victim.  Morrissey was booked into the Clark County Jail.

Detectives continue to actively investigate the case. Investigators are aware that Morrissey has lived in the Southwest Washington area for several years and detectives believe there may be other individuals who have relevant information, including potential additional victims.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Battle Ground Police Department Detective Sergeant Josh Phelps at (360) 342-5241 or by email at joshua.phelps@cityofbg.org.

As with any criminal investigation, the Battle Ground Police Department emphasizes that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and Morrissey is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

The Battle Ground Police Department Unveils New Badge Design (Photo) - 01/15/26

The Battle Ground Police Department is proud to announce the release of its newly redesigned badge unveiled during the January 5^th City Council meeting.  The new badge reflects both the department’s enduring traditions and its shared commitment to the community it serves.

The redesign was developed with input from every police department employee, making it a truly department-wide effort. From sworn officers to civilian professionals, team members contributed ideas and feedback to ensure the badge represents the values, pride, and identity shared across the organization.

Badge Design

The new badge features a brushed silver finish and incorporates imagery that reflects the local landscape and community identity. The background includes depictions of Mount St. Helens and Battle Ground Lake, framed by a grove of Western hemlocks, the official state tree of Washington.  At the center of the badge, a bald eagle is displayed alongside the United States flag and the City of Battle Ground flag. The badge is bordered by the words “Battle Ground Police,” and includes a banner identifying the officer’s rank and displays the City’s year of incorporation, 1951.

“The police badge carries tremendous significance,” said Police Chief Dennis Flynn. “It is a symbol of public trust, responsibility, and service. Every officer who dons it does so with the understanding that they represent the citizens they serve, and with a vow to honor, every day, what that badge stands for.”

The collaborative effort respects the contributions of past members whose service and dedication helped shape the foundation of the department. The new badge represents a continuation of that legacy and the values carried forward with the next generation of officers.

The Battle Ground Police Department will begin transitioning to the new badge this month (Janaury 2026).

Battle Ground City Council Welcomes New And Re-Elected Members; Selects Mayor And Deputy Mayor (Photo) - 01/06/26

The Battle Ground City Council welcomed new and returning members and selected its Mayor and Deputy Mayor during its first meeting of 2026, held on January 5.

Councilmembers who took their ceremonial oaths of office at the meeting include:

• Troy McCoy, re-elected to Position No. 1, serving his second consecutive term in office.
• Jeanie Kuypers, elected to Position No. 4, serving her first elected term in office following her appointment to fill a vacancy in February 2025.
• Aimee Vaile, elected to Position No. 5, serving her first term in office.
• Brian Munson, elected to Position No. 6, serving his second non-consecutive term in office after serving in Position No. 1 from 2018 – 2021.

These members join sitting councilmembers Shane Bowman (Position No. 2), Victoria Ferrer (Position No. 3), and Eric Overholser (Position No. 7).

During the meeting, the council selected Eric Overholser to serve a two-year term as Mayor and Aimee Vaile to serve as Deputy Mayor. In addition to holding the same authority and responsibilities as all councilmembers, the Mayor presides over council meetings and serves as the ceremonial representative of the council. The Deputy Mayor fulfills these duties in the Mayor’s absence.

Battle Ground councilmembers are elected at large by voters to serve four-year terms. The City Council is responsible for the legislative functions of the city, including establishing policy, adopting ordinances, approving budget appropriations, and setting the overall vision for the community.

Under the city’s Council-Manager form of government, the City Council appoints a City Manager to implement council policies, provide professional guidance, and oversee the city’s day-to-day administrative operations.

To learn more about the Battle Ground City Council, visit www.cityofbg.org/council.

(Photo Description:  BG Council Swearing In - Pictured from left to right, Deputy Mayor Aimee Vaile, Councilmembers Troy McCoy, Jeanie Kuypers, and Brian Munson)