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On Thursday, April 18, 2024, at approximately 8:48am, Battle Ground Officers were dispatched to an active assault with a weapon in the 1600 block of SW 4th Street. While enroute to the scene, officers were provided preliminary information through dispatch that the victim was being assaulted by her juvenile son who was reportedly armed with a knife and a blunt object, which was later identified as a kitchen pan. Dispatch also relayed that the suspect may have harmed himself with a knife.
Upon arrival, officers contacted the adult female victim outside of the residence, who indicated that the juvenile suspect was the sole remaining occupant inside the residence. The suspect was described as a juvenile male with cognitive delays which render him non-verbal with most people.
Officers observed several cuts to the victim’s arms which were constant with injuries that would be inflicted with a bladed weapon. The victim also appeared disoriented when speaking to officers, and she stated to have been struck in the head with a kitchen pan during the altercation, which briefly rendered her unconscious.
The additional arriving officers created a perimeter around the residence to secure the scene and the victim was turned over to American Medical Response personnel for treatment. Battle Ground Officers utilized their vehicle loudspeaker to negotiate with the juvenile suspect who was still inside the residence and convinced him to exit. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and arrested.
“This was an incredibly difficult situation, and I am immensely proud of how our officers conducted the scene,” said Chief Dennis Flynn. “Their actions help bring this potentially volatile situation to a successful resolution. Our thoughts now turn to this young man and his family, in hopes that he can receive the proper mental health care assistance that he needs.”
The juvenile suspect was arrested and booked on charges of 2nd Degree Assault - Domestic Violence. This case has been forwarded to the Clark County Juvenile Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
The victim was transported to an area hospital for additional medical treatment.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Columbia River Mental Health Services (CRMHS) also provides an array of services and well-being programs for individuals and their families in the Southwest Washington region. Information for CRMHS is available online at www.crmhs.org or by calling their non-emergency number at 360-993-3000.