Yacolt-Area Motorcycle Collision Results In Fatality - 05/28/26

On 05‑27‑26 at approximately 1839 hours, Clark County Fire District 13, North Country EMS, and Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a single‑motorcycle collision near the 25200 block of NE Worthington RD, near the Town of Yacolt. The motorcyclist suffered critical injuries and was transported to an area hospital by LifeFlight helicopter. The Sheriff’s Office has since learned the motorcyclist succumbed to their injuries.

The preliminary investigation indicates the motorcyclist was traveling southbound on NE Worthington RD when the motorcycle left the roadway in a curve and collided with vegetation off the shoulder.

The Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and will continue investigating the cause of the crash. No further information is available for release at this time.

Arrest Made In 2025 Fern Prairie Fatal Collision (Photo) - 05/12/26

On August 2, 2025, at approximately 12:11 a.m., members of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Camas Police Department, and the Camas-Washougal Fire Department were dispatched to a single‑vehicle collision in the 28600 block of NE Reilly Road, a rural unincorporated roadway in east Clark County. First responders arrived on scene and located a 2013 Jeep Patriot blocking NE Reilly Road with significant passenger-side damage.

Nicholas Ortiz, 18, was found unresponsive in the front passenger seat. Firefighters and deputies initiated resuscitation efforts; however, Ortiz was pronounced deceased at the scene. Matthew Kenne, 19, was able to self‑extricate from the vehicle and was identified as the driver. Kenne displayed signs of impairment and was transported to an area hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the collision.

The Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit responded and assumed the investigation. Blood samples from Kenne were obtained pursuant to a signed search warrant and submitted to the Washington State Patrol Toxicology Laboratory for analysis. Kenne was released from custody pending further investigation and receipt of toxicology results.

During the months‑long investigation, detectives analyzed scene evidence as well as electronic vehicle data from the Jeep. The investigation revealed that Kenne was operating the vehicle at approximately 67–72 mph on NE Reilly Road when he failed to negotiate a curve, went off the roadway, and collided with a large tree. Toxicology results later confirmed a blood alcohol concentration above 0.08, and additional evidence of impairment was located within the vehicle.

On the evening of May 12, 2026, Kenne voluntarily met with detectives in front of the Clark County Jail, where he was taken into custody and booked for Vehicular Homicide and Minor in Possession of Alcohol. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to the Ortiz family and expresses appreciation to the Camas Police Department and the Camas-Washougal Fire Department for their assistance at the collision scene.

No additional information is available for release at this time. Two photographs of the Jeep are attached.

Lewisville Park Shelter Fire Under Investigation (Photo) - 05/12/26

On May 12, 2026, at approximately 1:40 a.m., Clark County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to reports of a structure fire at the Central Picnic Shelter located in Lewisville Park, 26411 NE Lewisville Highway, Battle Ground, Washington.

Clark County Fire District personnel responded and were able to bring the fire under control, preventing it from spreading further. Despite those efforts, the shelter was deemed a complete loss.

The Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office are actively investigating the fire as a possible arson.

Additional details regarding the investigation, including any potential suspects, are not being released at this time.

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.