On 12/12/22 at approximately 23:47 hours, law enforcement from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), La Center Police Department (LCPD), Ridgefield Police Department (RPD), and Cowlitz Tribal Police Department (CTPD) responded to a report of a stabbing attack on multiple people at the New Phoenix and Last Frontier Casino in La Center, WA. Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) received several 911 calls from people at the casino stating at least three people had been stabbed in what was described as a random, unprovoked attack. Several employees and visitors at the casino witnessed the event and attempted to confront the suspect but he was still armed with what was described as a hunting knife. The suspect, described as bald, heavy-set male, approximately in his mid-40’s with a gray hoodie, fled the location in a white Nissan sedan that was reported to be heading toward Interstate 5. 

At the Casino, a total of four victims were transported by American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance crews to the hospital with knife wounds. Law enforcement from multiple agencies secured the crime scene and began gathering more information.

At 00:01 hours on 12/13/2022, CCSO deputies reported a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle description travelling south on Interstate 205, the driver matched the suspect description. Based on the details of this incident, a pursuit was authorized. The suspect vehicle continued south on Interstate 205 at speeds in excess of 100mph, eventually taking the to NE Padden Parkway.  The suspect vehicle continued eastbound on NE Padden Parkway at speeds between 90 and 110 MPH. The suspect vehicle slowed, and a pursuit immobilization technique was used to stop the vehicle and discontinue the pursuit. The driver was taken into custody without further incident.  Deputies confirmed that the driver matched the suspect in the attacks.

The CCSO Major Crimes Unit (MCU) was called out to investigate. Detectives with the Vancouver Police Department Major Crimes Unit assisted in the investigation. 

Detectives were able to review video from the casino. The video showed the suspect sitting at a poker table when he reached down with his right hand and grabbed something. Without provocation or warning, the suspect then appeared to stand and began to stab the male sitting to his left approximately five times in the head and chest area.  Multiple patrons attempted to intervene, but the suspect began swinging the knife at them. The suspect then approached a female that was sitting at the same poker table and appeared to try and stab the female three times.  The suspect then chased a male outside into the parking lot while swinging at the male.  The male fell to the ground and the suspect appeared to stab him two more times.   A large amount of blood was on the ground in the parking lot where he was stabbed.  The suspect was then seen getting into a white sedan and driving off. 

The suspect was identified as Scott R. Harmier, 41, of Vancouver, WA. Harmier was booked into the Clark County Jail on four counts of Assault in the first degree, a Class A felony. 

All four of the victims were expected to survive the attack.  Three were released from the hospital this morning and one was admitted for further observation.