Clark Co. Sheriff's Office

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News Release

Four Vehicle Crash Sends Two To Hospital (Photo) - 04/28/26

On April 27, 2026, at approximately 7:39 p.m., deputies from the Sheriff’s Office responded to a four‑vehicle collision with reported injuries on NE 78th Street, just west of NE 47th Avenue in Vancouver, WA. Vancouver Fire Department and American Medical Response were first on scene and found a Chevrolet Trailblazer and a Subaru Forester with significant damage. A Toyota Highlander and a Subaru Outback were also involved and sustained minor, reportable damage.

 

Preliminary information indicates the Subaru Outback, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Forester were stopped in an eastbound lane of NE 78th Street at a red light for NE 47th Avenue. The Chevrolet Trailblazer failed to slow for the stopped traffic and struck the rear of the Subaru Forester, triggering a chain‑reaction collision involving the other two vehicles.

 

The driver and passenger of the Chevrolet sustained serious but non‑life‑threatening injuries and were transported by ambulance to a local hospital. No other major injuries were reported.

 

The Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit responded to conduct the investigation. The driver of the Chevrolet showed observable signs of impairment, and corroborating evidence was found within the vehicle. Investigators believe there are additional factors that may have contributed to the crash.

 

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Traffic Homicide Unit at trafficdetectives@clark.wa.gov and reference case 26003075. The investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is available for release at this time.

 

A photograph is attached showing the Chevrolet Trailblazer (left) and Subaru Forester (right).

Attached Media Files: 26_3075.JPG,

Four Vehicle Crash Sends Two To Hospital (Photo) - 04/28/26

On April 27, 2026, at approximately 7:39 p.m., deputies from the Sheriff’s Office responded to a four‑vehicle collision with reported injuries on NE 78th Street, just west of NE 47th Avenue in Vancouver, WA. Vancouver Fire Department and American Medical Response were first on scene and found a Chevrolet Trailblazer and a Subaru Forester with significant damage. A Toyota Highlander and a Subaru Outback were also involved and sustained minor, reportable damage.

 

Preliminary information indicates the Subaru Outback, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Forester were stopped in an eastbound lane of NE 78th Street at a red light for NE 47th Avenue. The Chevrolet Trailblazer failed to slow for the stopped traffic and struck the rear of the Subaru Forester, triggering a chain‑reaction collision involving the other two vehicles.

 

The driver and passenger of the Chevrolet sustained serious but non‑life‑threatening injuries and were transported by ambulance to a local hospital. No other major injuries were reported.

 

The Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit responded to conduct the investigation. The driver of the Chevrolet showed observable signs of impairment, and corroborating evidence was found within the vehicle. Investigators believe there are additional factors that may have contributed to the crash.

 

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Traffic Homicide Unit at trafficdetectives@clark.wa.gov and reference case 26003075. The investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is available for release at this time.

 

A photograph is attached showing the Chevrolet Trailblazer (left) and Subaru Forester (right).

Attached Media Files: 26_3075.JPG,

UPDATE - Arrest Made In Fatal Shooting Near The 19700 Block Of NE Davis Road (Photo) - 04/27/26

Update 4/27/26 TIME 6:00 p.m.

 

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit has arrested a suspect in connection with a homicide that occurred in a residence earlier today in the 19700 block of NE Davis Road.

Brian E. Kangas, 34, of Battle Ground, Washington, was taken into custody for the alleged murder of Gary R. Bender, 73.

 

At approximately 11:13 a.m., Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) received a 911 call from a neighboring residence reporting gunshots heard. Deputies responded and located Bender inside his home with apparent gunshot wounds to his chest. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

 

Witnesses reported Kangas and Bender were alone inside the residence prior to the shooting. After the incident, Kangas was seen leaving the area on a bicycle.

 

Deputies located Kangas near the intersection of NE 182nd Avenue and Risto Road. He was taken into custody without incident at approximately 11:42 a.m. Kangas was in possession of a handgun, which was seized as evidence.

 

This investigation remains active. No additional updates are anticipated.

 

The Bender family has requested privacy as they grieve their loss.

 

 

 

 

On April 27, 2026, at approximately 11:13 a.m., the Clark County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting an assault with a firearm near the intersection of NE Ward Road and NE Davis Road, Clark County, Washington.

 

Upon arrival, deputies located one individual who was deceased.

 

Details are limited at this time; however, one suspect is in custody, and there is no indication of an ongoing risk to the community.

 

The Clark County Major Crimes Unit is actively investigating this incident. No additional information is available for release at this time. Updates will be provided as they become available.

Attached Media Files: Scene.JPG,

UPDATE - Arrest Made In Fatal Shooting Near The 19700 Block Of NE Davis Road (Photo) - 04/27/26

Update 4/27/26 TIME 6:00 p.m.

 

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit has arrested a suspect in connection with a homicide that occurred in a residence earlier today in the 19700 block of NE Davis Road.

Brian E. Kangas, 34, of Battle Ground, Washington, was taken into custody for the alleged murder of Gary R. Bender, 73.

 

At approximately 11:13 a.m., Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) received a 911 call from a neighboring residence reporting gunshots heard. Deputies responded and located Bender inside his home with apparent gunshot wounds to his chest. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

 

Witnesses reported Kangas and Bender were alone inside the residence prior to the shooting. After the incident, Kangas was seen leaving the area on a bicycle.

 

Deputies located Kangas near the intersection of NE 182nd Avenue and Risto Road. He was taken into custody without incident at approximately 11:42 a.m. Kangas was in possession of a handgun, which was seized as evidence.

 

This investigation remains active. No additional updates are anticipated.

 

The Bender family has requested privacy as they grieve their loss.

 

 

 

 

On April 27, 2026, at approximately 11:13 a.m., the Clark County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting an assault with a firearm near the intersection of NE Ward Road and NE Davis Road, Clark County, Washington.

 

Upon arrival, deputies located one individual who was deceased.

 

Details are limited at this time; however, one suspect is in custody, and there is no indication of an ongoing risk to the community.

 

The Clark County Major Crimes Unit is actively investigating this incident. No additional information is available for release at this time. Updates will be provided as they become available.

Attached Media Files: Scene.JPG,

Clark County Council Approves Additional Staffing For Clark County Sheriff’s Office (Photo) - 04/21/26

A message from Clark County Sheriff, John Horch:
I would like to thank the Clark County Council for approving additional full-time positions for the Sheriff’s Office. The Council’s vote authorizes 22 new deputy positions and several support staff roles to strengthen public safety in Clark County.
This decision reflects extensive collaboration among the Sheriff’s Office, the County Manager, the Budget Office, the County Council, and community members.
We plan to begin hiring for these positions in July. As these roles are filled, the increased staffing will help us manage workloads and improve public safety for our community.
This is an important step toward addressing our longstanding staffing challenges. I am confident we will continue to make progress and ultimately achieve the staffing levels needed to serve our community effectively.
Sheriff John Horch

Clark County Council Approves Additional Staffing For Clark County Sheriff’s Office (Photo) - 04/21/26

A message from Clark County Sheriff, John Horch:
I would like to thank the Clark County Council for approving additional full-time positions for the Sheriff’s Office. The Council’s vote authorizes 22 new deputy positions and several support staff roles to strengthen public safety in Clark County.
This decision reflects extensive collaboration among the Sheriff’s Office, the County Manager, the Budget Office, the County Council, and community members.
We plan to begin hiring for these positions in July. As these roles are filled, the increased staffing will help us manage workloads and improve public safety for our community.
This is an important step toward addressing our longstanding staffing challenges. I am confident we will continue to make progress and ultimately achieve the staffing levels needed to serve our community effectively.
Sheriff John Horch

Clark County Sheriff’s Office Completes Extradition In Homicide Case - 04/01/26

On April 1, 2026, members of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office completed the extradition of Dariel Nunez-Montero from Montgomery County, Kentucky.

Nunez-Montero has been booked into the Clark County Jail and is currently being held pending prosecution in connection with the murder of Courtney Clinton.

All investigative questions should be directed to the Vancouver Police Department.

Clark County Sheriff’s Office Completes Extradition In Homicide Case - 04/01/26

On April 1, 2026, members of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office completed the extradition of Dariel Nunez-Montero from Montgomery County, Kentucky.

Nunez-Montero has been booked into the Clark County Jail and is currently being held pending prosecution in connection with the murder of Courtney Clinton.

All investigative questions should be directed to the Vancouver Police Department.