Detectives Identify The Victim Of The Body Parts Found In The Tualatin River (Photo) - 10/02/25

Since August 8th, 2025, Detectives with the Washington County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Team (MCT) have investigated the discovery of human remains found in the Tualatin River.  A kayaker found one body part on August 8th near the boat ramp of Rood Bridge Park.  A second body part was located approximately 1 mile downriver from the first body part on August 9th.

Detectives believed that both body parts belonged to the same person but needed DNA analysis to confirm the identity.  Detectives worked in conjunction with the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office and the Oregon State Police Crime Lab to confirm the identity of the unidentified human remains. 

The victim has been identified as 34-year-old Ezequiel Avila-Ruiz. Avila Ruiz was known to camp in multiple areas, including around Rood Bridge Park. The Oregon State Police Crime Lab was able to confirm his identity using familial DNA comparison with living relatives. Avila-Ruiz’s family has been notified and is requesting privacy at this time. 

Detectives believe Avila-Ruiz was the victim of homicide and would like to speak with anyone who has information about Avila-Ruiz’s whereabouts after he was last seen on July 31st, 2025, near SE Baseline St and South First Ave in Hillsboro at approximately 5:40 p.m.

Please contact detectives at the Sheriff’s Office by calling the Investigations Division at (503) 846-2500, referencing Avila-Ruiz and case number 50-25-11037.

Original Media Release: Detectives Investigate Body Parts Found in Tualatin River

On Friday, August 8, 2025, at 5:09 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Rood Bridge Park in Hillsboro after a recreational kayaker discovered a body part in the Tualatin River.

Detectives from the Washington County Major Crimes Team (MCT) were dispatched to assist with the investigation, aided by searchers from several supporting teams. On August 9th, searchers discovered a second body part in the river but are not disclosing additional information at this time.

The investigation is ongoing, and the identity of the victim has not been determined. The Medical Examiner's office determines any information regarding the cause or manner of death.

The Sheriff’s Office was supported by marine units, K9, a dive team, and ground searchers from the Clackamas and Columbia County Sheriff’s Offices. Searchers are continuing their efforts as additional information is discovered.

If you have information about this incident and have not spoken to detectives, please contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at 503-846-2500, referencing case number 50-25-11037. 

Deputies Test 60-Day Artificial Intelligence Pilot Project For Report Writing - 09/30/25

In early 2025, the Sheriff's Office partnered with Axon, bringing technological improvements to body-worn cameras (BWC), digital evidence storage, improved Taser support weapons, and enhanced drone capabilities for public safety.

As the Sheriff’s Office entered its partnership with Axon, it began evaluating Draft One as a report-writing tool.  Draft One aids deputies by transcribing audio captured through the BWC. The transcription is rendered using a proprietary form of AI as a concise first draft into the report-writing system for the deputy to review. Draft One has built-in safeguards, such as integrated error checkpoints that the deputy must fix, to ensure accuracy. Also, before report submission, deputies will carefully review and edit the draft report to ensure that it accurately reflects the facts of the incident.  All reports generated with the assistance of Draft One will include language documenting its use.

Starting October 1, 2025, select deputies will pilot Draft One for 60 days in coordination with the District Attorney’s Office for certain approved offenses. Deputies piloting the program can transcribe select offenses, including DUII, theft, trespassing, criminal driving while suspended, warrant arrest reports, and user-level possession of a controlled substance reports. Deputies may currently transcribe non-criminal offenses, including crash reports, mental health calls, and information-only reports.

Integrating the Draft One report writing software is intended to assist deputies in accurately documenting police reports and saving valuable time. At the end of the 60-day pilot program, senior oversight from the District Attorney's and Sheriff's Office will evaluate the viability of sustained use. Draft One is currently used by various police departments throughout the United States.

Click here for additional information regarding Draft One.

Sheriff’s Office Accepting Applications For ESPD Advisory Committee (Photo) - 09/11/25

The Washington County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications from community members to serve on the Enhanced Sheriff's Patrol District (ESPD) Advisory Committee. The Committee works with the Sheriff and other officials from the Sheriff's Office to review and offer recommendations regarding the level and type of police service in ESPD. The Committee advises the Sheriff on strategic goals and direction for the law enforcement district. The Committee will consider other long-range opportunities for enhanced law enforcement and community collaboration in the future.

ESPD provides enhanced patrol response to over 240,000 residents in the urban areas outside of cities in Washington County, including Bethany, Cedar Mill, Cedar Hills, Aloha, Reedville, Garden Home, Metzger, Rock Creek, Raleigh Hills, Bull Mountain, Bonny Slope, West Slope, Oak Hills, and more. There are 130 Sheriff's Deputies serving the community members in the district. The Sheriff's Office has continuously been nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) since 2004.

Committee members serve a two-year term. Applicants must pass a criminal background check and be residents or business owners in the ESPD. Applications can be obtained online at Washington County OR: Boards, by contacting April Frohnert at april_frohnert@washingtoncountryor.gov, or by calling 503-846-6910.

The deadline to submit your application is October 28, 2025.

Deputies Make Arrests During Mission To Address Livability Concerns In Aloha - 09/09/25

On Friday, September 5, 2025, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a focused mission to address livability concerns in the unincorporated community of Aloha. Deputies concentrated their efforts at locations known to have frequent illegal drug activity and at homes suspected of selling drugs.

Deputies contacted multiple individuals during the mission, resulting in arrests and the application of a search warrant for one of the locations. Deputies served the search warrant in the 2000 block of SW Leewood Drive, resulting in the seizure of additional illegal drugs.

Detectives from the Westside Interagency Narcotics team (WIN) and the Washington County Community Violence Reduction Team (CoVRT) assisted with the investigation.

The following people were arrested during the mission:

• Gerardo Ordonez-Venegas (22), distribution of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance
• Alyssa Slaughter (24) DUII and reckless driving
• Tiffany Ragland (33), two Washington County warrants

Community members are encouraged to report suspicious behavior to the Sheriff’s Office through non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111.