On June 3, 2021, two Washington State Troopers and on Cowlitz Tribal Police officer were involved in an officer involved shooting.  The two involved Troopers are identified as Trooper Josh Bacheller a 6 year veteran of Washington State Patrol and is currently assigned to WSP District 5, Kelso detachment and Trooper Evan Tippets a 5.5 year veteran of the Washington State Patrol and is currently assigned to the WSP District 5, Kelso detachment.  The Cowlitz Tribal Police Officer is identified as Officer Austin Moore a 2.5-year veteran of the Cowlitz Tribal Police.  The two Troopers and the Cowlitz Tribal Officer were placed on critical incident leave at the time of the incident per protocol. 

The suspect, 47-year-old Vencine Hadley was struck by gunfire and transported to an area hospital to receive treatment.  He was subsequently released from the hospital and booked into the Clark County Jail for outstanding warrants and new charges of Attempt to Elude and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.   This continued investigation is ongoing and will be conducted by the Southwest Washington Independent Investigative Response Team (SWIIR Team) and additional charges are anticipated. 

The SWIIR Team is comprised of agencies in Clark County, including the Battle Ground Police Department, Camas Police Department, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and Vancouver Police Department.  In compliance with WAC 139-12, the involved agency personnel will not be involved in this investigation.

This press release is in compliance with weekly updates to the ongoing investigation to the media in accordance with Washington State Law I-940. 

No further information at this time.