A26-8173 - Vehicular Homicide Arrest (Photo)
- 06/09/26
PRESS RELEASE
A26-8173 VEHICULAR HOMICIDE ARREST
JUNE 9, 2026
On April 18, 2026, deputies responded to a report of a rollover accident in the 200 block of Maranatha Road near Kelso. Deputies learned that a 1994 Toyota 4Runner driven by 19-year-old Jacob Manecke Jr had reportedly been traveling at a high rate of speed on Maranatha Road as he was being pursued by an individual on a side-by-side ATV. An 18-year-old passenger, identified as Elden Ragsdale of Longview, was partially ejected from the 4Runner and pinned under the vehicle when it rolled over. Ragsdale was confirmed to be deceased at the scene .
A collision scene reconstruction was completed with assistance from the Washington State Patrol. The investigation determined the 4Runner left the gravel roadway on a curve and overturned. Deputies interviewed passengers from the 4Runner, who stated Manecke was driving at a high rate of speed. One passenger stated Ragsdale asked Manecke to slow down or pull over prior to the crash.
Deputies spoke with Manecke and noticed an odor of intoxicants coming from his vehicle. A Preliminary Breath Test was conducted, and it detected the presence of alcohol. Manecke admitted to having consumed alcohol. Deputies obtained a search warrant, and a legal blood draw was conducted on Manecke.
Deputies also interviewed the ATV operator, who stated the 4Runner had driven by his house at a high rate of speed, potentially damaging the road. The ATV operator stated he had attempted to get the license plate of the 4Runner, but reportedly lost sight of it and was not aware that it had been involved in a crash.
The blood evidence obtained from Manecke was sent to the WSP Crime Laboratory for analysis. The results indicated that Manecke was positive for Ethanol and THC.
On June 9, 2026, Jacob Manecke Jr. was booked into the Cowlitz County Jail for Vehicular Homicide.
A26-8173 - Vehicular Homicide Arrest (Photo)
- 06/09/26
PRESS RELEASE
A26-8173 VEHICULAR HOMICIDE ARREST
JUNE 9, 2026
On April 18, 2026, deputies responded to a report of a rollover accident in the 200 block of Maranatha Road near Kelso. Deputies learned that a 1994 Toyota 4Runner driven by 19-year-old Jacob Manecke Jr had reportedly been traveling at a high rate of speed on Maranatha Road as he was being pursued by an individual on a side-by-side ATV. An 18-year-old passenger, identified as Elden Ragsdale of Longview, was partially ejected from the 4Runner and pinned under the vehicle when it rolled over. Ragsdale was confirmed to be deceased at the scene .
A collision scene reconstruction was completed with assistance from the Washington State Patrol. The investigation determined the 4Runner left the gravel roadway on a curve and overturned. Deputies interviewed passengers from the 4Runner, who stated Manecke was driving at a high rate of speed. One passenger stated Ragsdale asked Manecke to slow down or pull over prior to the crash.
Deputies spoke with Manecke and noticed an odor of intoxicants coming from his vehicle. A Preliminary Breath Test was conducted, and it detected the presence of alcohol. Manecke admitted to having consumed alcohol. Deputies obtained a search warrant, and a legal blood draw was conducted on Manecke.
Deputies also interviewed the ATV operator, who stated the 4Runner had driven by his house at a high rate of speed, potentially damaging the road. The ATV operator stated he had attempted to get the license plate of the 4Runner, but reportedly lost sight of it and was not aware that it had been involved in a crash.
The blood evidence obtained from Manecke was sent to the WSP Crime Laboratory for analysis. The results indicated that Manecke was positive for Ethanol and THC.
On June 9, 2026, Jacob Manecke Jr. was booked into the Cowlitz County Jail for Vehicular Homicide.
