About FlashAlert on Twitter:
FlashAlert utilizes the free service Twitter to distribute emergency text messages. While you are welcome to register your cell phone text message address directly into the FlashAlert system, we recommend that you simply "follow" the FlashAlert account for Washington Co. Sheriff's Office by clicking on the link below and logging in to (or creating) your free Twitter account. Twitter sends messages out exceptionally fast thanks to arrangements they have made with the cell phone companies.
Click here to add Washington Co. Sheriff's Office to your Twitter account or create one.
@WCSOOregon
On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at about 12:38 p.m., Deputies from the Washington County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a parking lot in the 3000 block of SW 187th Avenue to investigate a suspicious vehicle after a member of the community reported it.
The caller noticed a light-colored Ford pickup with no plates in a nearby parking lot with two people inside, not moving, and trash scattered around the vehicle.
The deputy contacted the occupants and learned shortly after the vehicle was stolen out of Oakland, California. The driver sped off and then abandoned the truck near the intersection of SW 198th Avenue and SW Tualatin Valley Highway.
Deputies called for support from a K9 unit to help locate the fleeing driver. Deputies also learned the driver ran into a vacant apartment unit nearby.
When the deputies called out to the driver from outside the apartment, the driver refused to come out. K9 Griff was sent in to locate the driver, who was found hiding behind a door. The driver was taken into custody and treated at the scene by medical personnel for a dog bite they received from K9 Griff. Deputies identified the driver as 55-year-old Karen Johnson of Oakland, California.
Johnson was lodged in the Washington County Jail for the following charges:
- Possession of a stolen vehicle
- Attempting to elude while driving a motor vehicle
- Attempting to elude on foot from a motor vehicle
- Criminal trespass in the first degree
The passenger was not located during the search.
The Sheriff’s Office thanks the community members for their help in locating Johnson and recovering the stolen Ford.
On Tuesday, December 5th, 2023, at 10:20 a.m., the Washington County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) responded to a call from a community member reporting a possible body in Bronson Creek. Deputies from WCSO and firefighters from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue (TVFR) responded to the scene located on the north side of NW Anzalone Drive.
Upon their arrival, deputies and firefighters discovered the body of an adult male entangled in tree branches within the creek. TVFR firefighters recovered the body and safely brought it onto shore, where WCSO deputies and the medical examiner confirmed it was a deceased adult male.
During the initial investigation, neither the deputies nor the medical examiner observed any apparent signs of physical injury on the body.
The Washington County Medical Examiner's Office, in collaboration with WCSO investigators, is actively working to establish the identity of the deceased and determine the cause of death.
Hillsboro Fire and Rescue also provided crucial assistance during the recovery operation.
On Monday, November 20, 2023, at 11:38 a.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a traffic crash near the 17000 block of SW Roy Rogers Road.
The driver of a 2013 Mazda MZ5 called 911 and said they had just hit a bicyclist in the roadway. A witness to the crash began performing life-saving efforts on the bicyclist almost immediately. The bicyclist, 78-year-old Dana Deardorff, did not survive. The driver of the Mazda remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.
The Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART) responded to the scene and their investigation is ongoing.
On the day of the crash, Investigators learned the driver of the Mazda, 47-year-old Emily Page, was Southbound on SW Roy Rogers Road when Deardorff veered across lanes of travel from the Northbound side. Page was unable to stop before they impacted. Impairment does not appear to be a factor.
The cyclist's family has been notified.
Investigators are looking for additional community members to come forward who may have witnessed the crash or have dash camera footage. Witnesses can contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office through non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 and reference case number 50-23-17393.
On Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 1:14 a.m., a Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputy tried to make a traffic stop on a black 2008 Dodge Charger, after seeing there was no front license plate and the vehicle registration was expired. Instead of pulling over, the driver fled in the car and the deputy did not pursue him.
One minute later, a witness called 911 to report the same vehicle had crashed through an empty shared garage building at the West on Murray Apartments near the corner of SW Murray Blvd. and SW Walker Rd.
The driver then fled the crash scene on foot so deputies surrounded the area along with a K9 team. Just after 1:30 a.m., deputies found the driver in the apartment complex and arrested him. They identified him as 21-year-old Joseph Kinoa Ta’afulisia of Seattle. Deputies arrested Ta’afulisia for felony attempting to elude police, reckless driving, failure to perform the duties of a driver when property is damaged (hit and run), and a warrant from the Department of Corrections in Washington.
The 33rd Sheriff of Washington County, Caprice Massey, took the oath of office in a ceremony at the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
On December 1st, 2023, in a special ceremony held at the Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Massey took the oath of office, assuming her new role and becoming the first female sheriff in the history of Washington County. The oath was administered by Washington County Presiding Judge Kathleen Proctor, highlighting the significance of this momentous occasion.
Sheriff Massey's assumption of the role of Washington County Sheriff is a testament to her exemplary service and dedication to the safety and well-being of our community. Her leadership will continue to uphold the highest standards of law enforcement and best ensure the protection of Washington County community members.
Reflecting on her historic day, Sheriff Massey said, "I am humbled and honored to be entrusted with the position of Sheriff in Washington County. My commitment is to serve and protect our community and to create a safe environment for all its members."
We invite Washington County community members to celebrate Sheriff Massey's momentous oath of office, reflecting the progress of our county's law enforcement leadership.
Please join us in extending our heartfelt congratulations to Sheriff Caprice Massey. Under her guidance, the Washington County Sheriff's Office will continue its commitment to serving and protecting our community.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office is excited to announce that on December 1st, 2023, Undersheriff Caprice Massey will take the oath of office and become the 33rd Sheriff of Washington County. Washington County Presiding Judge Kathleen Proctor will administer the oath of office during a special ceremony that will take place at the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
Following the retirement of Sheriff Pat Garrett, Undersheriff Massey will assume her new role as the first female sheriff of Washington County, marking a milestone achievement for our community.
We would like to invite members of the media to join us in commemorating this significant moment. The oath of office will take place at 9:00 a.m. on December 1st at the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
To confirm your attendance, please RSVP with the Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer (PIO) by calling 503-209-5613 or emailing WCSOPIO@washingtoncountyor.gov. The PIO is available to coordinate interviews and arrange any requirements you may have for coverage.
We look forward to your participation in this historic event and appreciate your ongoing support in sharing the news with our community.
On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 4:02 a.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducting traffic speed enforcement on Interstate 5 near Highway 217 stopped a BMW X7 going 89 mph in a 55-mph speed zone.
The driver, 37-year-old Erin Rae Shaw, was arrested after giving deputies false information about her identity. Shaw later revealed her correct name, and deputies learned she had several outstanding warrants, including a felony warrant in Washington County for weapons charges and a felony warrant from the Oregon State Parole Board for identity theft.
Shaw's passenger, 39-year-old Shawn Seig, was also arrested on an outstanding parole violation warrant.
During the investigation, deputies found methamphetamine in the vehicle as well as multiple laptops, thumb drives, and credit cards not belonging to Shaw or Seig.
Shaw was arrested and taken to the Washington County Jail for multiple charges, including failure to carry and present a license, providing false information, possession of methamphetamine, identity theft, and their parole violation warrant. Seig was also taken to the Washington County Jail for an outstanding warrant.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) faces a critical challenge in maintaining full jail capacity. The recent staffing shortage has reduced the number of beds available in the Washington County Jail. To address this issue, WCSO seeks individuals who want to keep their community safe through a rewarding career in law enforcement.
In recent years, the number of applications has not kept pace with retirements and departures. As a result, the Jail Division currently has 41 deputy positions that urgently need to be filled, requiring a reduction in jail capacity by 34%, from 572 to 388 beds. A substantial challenge remains despite notable efforts to house about 40 additional individuals in custody at Washington County's Community Corrections Center and a neighboring jail. The persistent shortage of available jail beds, driven by staffing issues, decreases community safety.
To reduce the impact of less staffing on jail operations, WCSO made necessary adjustments for those involved in certain non-violent misdemeanor crimes. Instead of being arrested and booked in jail, some individuals receive a citation to appear in court, with exceptions in some instances. However, it is crucial to highlight that this temporary measure has limitations, and the staffing challenge must be addressed to ensure public safety.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office seeks individuals who want to serve their community and contribute to public safety. We offer a rewarding, flexible career with excellent pay and benefits. By joining our dedicated and innovative team, you will play a vital role in safeguarding victims and holding offenders accountable. In addition to jail deputy positions, we have 24 patrol deputy openings available as entry and lateral Patrol Deputies, six Jail Services Technicians, and four Criminal Records Specialist openings. This is a unique career opportunity where you can make a difference in public safety and answer the call to serve.
Sheriff’s Office leaders thank our staff for their dedication and service to keep our community safe. To learn more about the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the application process, please visit joinwcso.com.
*****************************************************
Media Only: Sheriff Pat Garrett will be available today for in-person interviews. Please contact the PIO to schedule.
On Monday, November 27, 2023, at 7:18 a.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a traffic crash near the intersection of SW 65th Avenue and SW Prosperity Park Road involving a motorcycle and a school bus.
The motorcycle rider did not survive. The Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART) responded to the scene and is investigating. Additional information will be available when appropriate.
The school bus is part of the West Linn-Wilsonville school district, and notifications have been made to the families of the two children on the bus. The children and the bus driver were not injured.
If you have any information about this incident, we ask that you contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office through non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111.
On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 12:33 a.m., the Washington County Sheriff's Office received multiple 911 calls about a white Mini Cooper driving in the wrong direction on Highway 26 westbound. Deputies and Hillsboro Police Officers quickly responded and located the vehicle after it exited Highway 26 at NW 185th Avenue. A traffic stop was initiated by a Hillsboro police officer north of Highway 26, and soon after, deputies arrived to take over the investigation.
The driver of the Mini Cooper, identified as 29-year-old Matthew Silveira, was contacted by a deputy. The deputy noticed signs of intoxication, such as a strong odor of alcohol and other indicators. Despite this, Silveira did not cooperate with the DUII investigation.
During the initial conversation with Silveira, a witness arrived at the scene and informed the deputy that Silveira's vehicle had nearly collided with them head-on while traveling in the wrong direction on Highway 26. The witness recounted driving westbound on Highway 26 near NW 185th Avenue when they first noticed Silveira's vehicle. They mentioned that the vehicle was driving without lights on. The witness said they had only seconds to react and swerve out of the way to avoid a collision. Although their vehicle swerved and spun out on the highway, they managed to avoid hitting any other vehicles or objects. The witness estimated that the Mini Cooper was traveling at approximately 90 mph at the time.
After speaking with the witness, the deputy arrested Silveira for driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, and recklessly endangering another person and transported him to the Washington County Jail. Silveira initially refused to take the breath test. Subsequently, the deputy obtained a search warrant, and Silveira was compelled to provide a breath sample, which showed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .24%. Silveira's breath sample was collected by law enforcement over 2 hours after the initial traffic stop.
Once the deputy concluded their investigation, Silveira was lodged in the Washington County Jail.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office emphasizes the importance of reporting any instances of reckless driving witnessed on the roads by immediately dialing 911.
On November 8, 2023, medical staff in the Washington County Jail were attending to an 82-year-old adult in custody (AIC) who subsequently went into cardiac arrest. Deputies and jail medical staff performed lifesaving efforts, and the Hillsboro Fire Department and American Medical Response (AMR) also responded to the incident.
The AIC was then transported to a local hospital but passed away shortly thereafter, with his family present.
The investigation into this incident is being led by the Washington County Major Crimes team, which is standard procedure for any AIC death.
Based on initial investigations, it appears that the AIC's death was caused by natural causes.
Per the family's request, the Washington County Sheriff's Office will not disclose the name of the AIC in this release. However, it will be made available upon request in accordance with Oregon public records laws.
The City of Cornelius, in partnership with Centro Cultural de Washington County and the Washington County Sheriff's Office, is proud to announce the Eighth Annual Cornelius Community Dinner. A free turkey holiday meal will be provided for community members. Everyone is welcome, and no reservations are required to attend. The dinner is expected to serve over 400 meals and is made possible through collaboration, generous donations, and volunteer hours provided by community partners, including:
- Bimbo Bakeries USA
- Cornelius Fred Meyer
- Cornelius Police Department
- Cornelius Walmart
- Forest Grove School District
- Reser's Fine Foods
- Starbucks
- Washington County Police Officers Association
- Western Washington County Firefighter’s Association
“The Community Dinner illustrates how we as a community come together to show thanks for one another. I am grateful for this event! Our supportive community, community partners, and local businesses have made it possible for us to spend quality time together and have meaningful conversations over a meal,” said Cornelius Chief of Police James Coley.
This event also provides a platform for members of the community to connect with each other, city leaders, police, fire officials, and more.
The Cornelius Community Dinner will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cornelius Elementary School (200 N. 14th Ave, Cornelius, OR 97113).
For volunteer opportunities, please visit https://bit.ly/3sfAWMH.
Community Dinner Flyer: https://bit.ly/CommDinnerFlyer2023