Fatal Collision In East County
-07/19/25
On July 19th, 2025 at around 0740 hours CRESA dispatch received an automated crash alert near the intersection of SE 20th St and SE 352nd Ave. Members of ECFR Station 94 were first to arrive on scene along with Washougal PD. They found a silver Toyota Prius occupied by three juvenile females that had collided with a Kia SUV. ECFR began life saving measures. A 17-year-old female (#1), rear passenger, was transported to Peace Health Southwest where she expired. The Prius driver, 17-year-old female (#2), suffered minor injuries and was also transported to Peace Health. The 3rd juvenile passenger was uninjured. The Kia driver remained on scene and cooperated with investigators.
CCSO Deputies responded to the location and began the investigation. The investigation revealed the Pruis was westbound on SE 20th St approaching SE 352nd Ave as the Kia was turning eastbound onto SE 20th St from southbound SE 352nd Ave. In response, the Pruis driver activated the brakes and slid around 100 feet before sliding sideways into the oncoming lane, where the rear right of the Pruis hit the Kia’s front.
Clark County Sheriff's Traffic Detectives responded to the collision scene and will continue the investigation to determine if speed was a factor. No impairment is suspected on either driver. The investigation is ongoing.
Deceased Person Found In Lake River Near Ridgefield Marina
-07/04/25
On July 4th, 2025 at approximately 2:44pm, a 9-1-1 caller reported seeing what appeared to be a person floating face-down in Lake River, just north of the Ridgefield Marina. Ridgefield Police responded along with Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue and confirmed a single adult male was face-down in the water with no apparent signs of life.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and the body was recovered from the water by Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue. No signs of foul play or trauma were observed at the scene. Firefighter-Paramedics pronounced the male deceased at that time.
An apparently abandoned sailboat was located anchored in Lake River a few hundred yards north of the body. Items were located on the vessel which investigators believe are associated with the deceased subject.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit was dispatched to address the vessel.
Detectives from the Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit are conducting a death investigation.
The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene and official identification of the decedent will be made by the Clark County Medical Examiner.
Family Offers $5,000 Reward For Information Regarding Missing Person (Photo)
-07/02/25
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit is seeking the public’s assistance in the ongoing search for Robert "Bob" Sarkkinen, a 64-year-old man who went missing more than seven years ago.
Bob was last seen on May 13, 2018, in the Battle Ground, Washington area. He is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, approximately 160 pounds, with grey hair and brown eyes. His family is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads directly to Bob’s whereabouts.
Detectives do not suspect foul play in Bob’s disappearance. He was known to wander or leave home for extended periods, a habit that has made locating him more difficult. Still, the Sheriff’s Office and Sarkkinen’s loved ones are committed to finding answers.
The case remains open and active under Case Number 18004480. Investigators urge anyone who may have seen Bob or may know anything about his movements in or after May 2018 to come forward.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit Tip Line at (564) 397-2036.
Media Availability
The Sarkkinen family has expressed a willingness to speak with the media. Reporters or outlets interested in arranging an interview should contact the Public Information Officer (PIO) to coordinate.