On Sunday, January 16th at 0113 hours, Kelso Police received a report of several gunshots heard in the 900 block of Cedar Street in South Kelso. A light-colored four door sedan, believed to be associated with the event, was observed leaving the area. Kelso officers arrived on scene and discovered evidence of gunfire and property damage to an occupied dwelling. A description of the vehicle believed to be associated with the event was broadcast to surrounding agencies.
At 0153 hours, Kelso Police received a second report of multiple gunshots heard near Long Ave & West Cowlitz Way where two vehicles were seen speeding away from that location. Kelso Police located additional evidence of gunfire in that area. The second vehicle from that incident was later located and officers found two bullet holes in the vehicle.
At 0213 hours, Cowlitz County Sheriff deputies received a report of gunshots fired at another occupied dwelling in the 4100 block of Ocean Beach Highway. A light-colored passenger car was also seen fleeing from that scene.
As Sheriff deputies and officers from Longview Police Department responded to that area, they intercepted what they believed to be the suspect vehicle in all three shooting events traveling westbound on Industrial Way.
When Cowlitz County Sheriff deputies and Longview Police officers initiated a traffic stop on this vehicle, the driver of the vehicle failed to stop then attempted to elude officers by driving over the Lewis & Clark Bridge into Oregon at a high rate of speed then attempted to enter US Highway 30 in the wrong direction, thereby, further endangering the public.
To prevent further risk to the public and to pursing officers, the pursuing Cowlitz County deputy seized an opportunity to employ a pursuit intervention technique designed to disrupt the forward movement of a fleeing vehicle. That effort was successful.
The male driver and three male passengers, all ranging from 18-20 years of age, were arrested and transported to Columbia County Jail.
Despite the incredibly reckless criminal conduct of these offenders, there were no reported physical injuries to innocents or law enforcement personnel.
Thank you to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office and Longview Police Department for their assistance in swiftly locating and apprehending these dangerous offenders and preventing further risk to the public.
No further information will be released at this time as this is an active investigation.