SAR Asks For Assistance From Property Owners In Search Area (Photo) - 10/16/25

On Tuesday, October 14^th, 2025, at approximately 5:37 p.m., Forest Grove Police Department Officers responded to a report of a missing person near the intersection of Valley Crest Way and Circle Crest Drive.  Family members reported 78-year-old Thomas Weightman left their nearby residence on foot at approximately 10 a.m. but did not return home.  During a brief cellphone contact, Thomas said he fell into a hole and was unsure of his location.  Attempts to locate Thomas using cell phone triangulation have been unsuccessful in the remote area. 

Thomas is described as 5’9’’, 165 lbs. with gray hair, gray beard, and glasses.  Thomas was last seen wearing black shoes, blue jeans, a red flannel bottom-up shirt, and a dark colored baseball hat. 

Continued search efforts coordinated by the Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) team are underway, and searchers are asking residents along Gales Creek Road for help checking their property. Specifically, SAR is asking for property owners South of NW Wilson River Highway, along NW Gales Creek Road, down to NW Mystic Drive, with an Eastern boundary of NW Shearer Road.

Anyone who has seen Thomas after 3:30 p.m. on October 14, 2025, is asked to call non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 and 911 if he is located. 

Deputies Locate Four People During K9 Track From Stolen Vehicle (Photo) - 10/13/25

On October 8, 2025, just before 10:00 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies patrolling on SW Tualatin Valley Highway near SE 48th Avenue in Hillsboro saw the driver of a 2019 Dodge Journey commit a traffic violation. While trying to pull the vehicle over, the driver began eluding.

The driver headed into neighborhoods near SW 170th Avenue and SW Ivy Glenn Street, where a caller reported the Dodge abandoned in the street. Deputies set up containment in the area and requested assistance from a K9 and a drone.

Deputies located all four occupants of the Dodge. Two were found on a side street, while Corporal Terry and K9 Griff found the remaining two hiding in bushes outside a home. All four were determined to be juveniles, and the Dodge was reported stolen out of Forest Grove.

The Dodge was returned to the registered owner, and the juveniles were referred to the Washington County Juvenile Department.

If you witnessed this incident and have not spoken to investigators, please contact the Sheriff's Office through non-emergency dispatch referencing case number 50-25-14211.

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.