Deputies Respond To Multiple 911 Calls Of Gunfire; Suspect Taken Into Custody (Photo) - 05/04/26

On May 3, 2026, at approximately 10:33 a.m., a resident in the 1800 block of NE 156th Street, Vancouver, Washington, called 911 to report an unknown male discharging a firearm outside the residence. The reporting party and their family went upstairs and hid for safety.

911 dispatchers received multiple additional calls from neighbors reporting gunshots and bullets striking nearby homes. As deputies arrived, a male, later identified as 30-year-old Cyree Phillips of Vancouver, Washington, emerged from a side gate of one of the homes with a handgun visible. He complied with deputies’ commands, put the handgun down, and was taken into custody without incident.

Due to conflicting information from Phillips and multiple 911 callers, deputies were initially unable to determine whether additional suspects were involved. NE Union Road was temporarily closed while deputies conducted a search and confirmed there were no other suspects.

Victims reported that Phillips attempted to enter one of the residences, but the homeowner saw him and locked the door. Phillips is not known to the resident.

Deputies located numerous spent shell casings in a backyard at the scene. Several nearby homes were struck by gunfire; fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Preliminary evidence indicates Phillips allegedly attempted to start a fire along one of the homes using lighter fluid and a lighter.

Phillips was booked at the Clark County Jail for multiple charges, including Attempted Burglary in the First Degree, Arson in the First Degree, Reckless Endangerment, Malicious Mischief in the Third Degree, and Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm.

No additional information about intent is available at this time.

Driver Injured In Orchards Area Collision; Impairment Suspected (Photo) - 05/01/26

On 5/1/26 at approximately 1801 hours, multiple 911 callers reported a three‑vehicle collision at the intersection of NE 99th St and NE 130th Ave. Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies and Vancouver Fire—Engine 11 arrived within three minutes of the call and located a black Dodge Ram pickup that had come to rest on top of a gray Tesla Model 3 sedan. A white Ford Econoline van was also involved in the collision and was blocking the westbound lane of NE 99th St, approximately sixty feet from the other vehicles.

Preliminary information indicates the Dodge Ram was traveling westbound on NE 99th St and entered the intersection at NE 130th Ave against a red light. The Ford Econoline was traveling southbound through the intersection on a green light when the front of the Dodge Ram struck the driver’s side of the Ford. The Dodge Ram continued west as it slid broadside into the eastbound lane of NE 99th St, where it collided with the Tesla Model 3, which was stopped for the traffic signal at NE 130th Ave.

The driver of the Dodge Ram displayed observable signs of impairment, and a DUI investigation was conducted. The driver of the Ford Econoline sustained injuries and was transported by ambulance to an area hospital. The driver of the Tesla was not physically injured.

The Traffic Homicide Unit responded, and the roadway was closed for approximately five hours while investigators examined the scene.

Traffic detectives believe there may be additional witnesses who observed the Dodge Ram’s driving behavior prior to the collision. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Traffic Homicide Unit at trafficdetectives@clark.wa.gov and reference case 26003182. The investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is available for release at this time.

Photographs are attached of the black Dodge Ram pickup, gray Tesla Model 3 sedan, and white Ford Econoline van.

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).

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.

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