Clark Co. Sheriff's Office

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News Release

CCSO INVESTIGATES DECEASED FEMALE LOCATED IN COLUMBIA RIVER - 10/14/26

On 10/14/2026 at 9:00 AM, the Vancouver Fire Department Fire Boat and Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Marine Patrol responded to a deceased female located floating in the Columbia River downstream from the I-5 bridge.  The identity of the female is currently unknown, and the death is considered suspicious.

 

The female is described as possibly Asian or Pacific Islander with brown hair and brown eyes.  She is approximately 20 to 30 years old, approximately 5 foot, 4 inches tall, and approximately 150 pounds.  These are preliminary estimates.  She has no tattoos but has a birthmark on the right side of her right calf muscle.

 

The investigation is continuing by the CCSO Major Crimes Unit and the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.  Further specific details are not being released at this time. 


 Anyone with information can contact the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit Tip Line, 564-397-2847. 

CCSO INVESTIGATES DECEASED FEMALE LOCATED IN COLUMBIA RIVER - 10/14/26

On 10/14/2026 at 9:00 AM, the Vancouver Fire Department Fire Boat and Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Marine Patrol responded to a deceased female located floating in the Columbia River downstream from the I-5 bridge.  The identity of the female is currently unknown, and the death is considered suspicious.

 

The female is described as possibly Asian or Pacific Islander with brown hair and brown eyes.  She is approximately 20 to 30 years old, approximately 5 foot, 4 inches tall, and approximately 150 pounds.  These are preliminary estimates.  She has no tattoos but has a birthmark on the right side of her right calf muscle.

 

The investigation is continuing by the CCSO Major Crimes Unit and the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.  Further specific details are not being released at this time. 


 Anyone with information can contact the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit Tip Line, 564-397-2847. 

CCSO Cold Case Team Solves Agency’s Oldest Cold Case, A 1962 Double Homicide (Photo) - 10/13/26

The Clark County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) Cold Case Team has solved a decades-old case, marking the oldest cold-case resolution in agency history. Investigators identified two suspects in a 1962 double homicide near Battle Ground. The final DNA breakthrough came on October 1, 2026, more than 64 years after the murders.

 

The investigation also took an unexpected turn earlier this year when detectives learned that one of the suspects had died just two days before DNA evidence linked him to the crime.

 

On June 24, 1962, Charles Hale, 71, and Lester McCollum, 67, were found dead on a property near Battle Ground. The two men were brothers-in-law who lived in separate residences on the same property. Both deaths were ruled homicides. McCollum died from suffocation due to strangulation, while Hale died from a gunshot wound to the head.

 

Several days later, Hale’s Ford sedan was recovered in Seattle. Investigators collected a fingerprint from the rearview mirror, but it remained unidentified until 2017, when it was matched to Barton M. Stebbins, who was 17 years old at the time of the murders. Despite the breakthrough, progress on the case was limited by competing investigative priorities and a lack of dedicated cold case resources.

 

In October 2025, CCSO Cold Case Investigator Michael Ramon and Major Crimes Unit Sergeant Fred Neiman Jr. located and interviewed Stebbins, then 80, in Hemet, California. Although Stebbins did not confess, investigators identified inconsistencies in his statements. Stebbins told investigators he had been traveling with another teenager around the time of the 1962 murders. During the 2025 interview, Stebbins also voluntarily provided investigators with a DNA sample.

 

Investigators worked with the Washington State Patrol (WSP) Crime Laboratory to reexamine evidence from the original investigation, including twine used to bind one of the victims and cigarette butts recovered from Hale’s vehicle.

 

On June 3, 2026, investigators learned that DNA testing indicated Stebbins was likely a contributor to the DNA recovered from the twine. DNA evidence from the cigarette butts also strongly linked him to the vehicle. As investigators prepared to seek an arrest warrant, they learned Stebbins had died of natural causes on June 1, just two days earlier.

 

Investigators continued working to identify a second DNA profile recovered from the cigarette butts. Their investigation led them to Walter Stain, who was also a teenager at the time of the murders and had died in 2019.

 

After obtaining a DNA reference sample from one of Stain’s descendants, investigators learned on October 1, 2026, that the WSP Crime Laboratory had found strong evidence supporting Stain as the contributor to the previously unidentified DNA profile.

 

Although both suspects are now deceased and cannot face prosecution, the Cold Case Team believes the evidence has finally provided answers in a double homicide that remained unsolved for more than six decades.

 

"While we are extremely disappointed that the suspects cannot be held accountable in court, we are grateful to finally have answers," said Sergeant Neiman. "A major part of our mission is finding the truth and providing some measure of closure to victims' families."

 

Investigators have contacted descendants of both victims to share the findings. Surviving family members of both suspects were also cooperative throughout the investigation.

 

The resolution of the case reflects decades of investigative work, advances in forensic DNA technology, and the continued efforts of CCSO's Cold Case Team to bring answers to victims' families.

Attached Media Files: Suspect Stain, Suspect Stebbins, Victim Hale, Victim McCollum,

CCSO Cold Case Team Solves Agency’s Oldest Cold Case, A 1962 Double Homicide (Photo) - 10/13/26

The Clark County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) Cold Case Team has solved a decades-old case, marking the oldest cold-case resolution in agency history. Investigators identified two suspects in a 1962 double homicide near Battle Ground. The final DNA breakthrough came on October 1, 2026, more than 64 years after the murders.

 

The investigation also took an unexpected turn earlier this year when detectives learned that one of the suspects had died just two days before DNA evidence linked him to the crime.

 

On June 24, 1962, Charles Hale, 71, and Lester McCollum, 67, were found dead on a property near Battle Ground. The two men were brothers-in-law who lived in separate residences on the same property. Both deaths were ruled homicides. McCollum died from suffocation due to strangulation, while Hale died from a gunshot wound to the head.

 

Several days later, Hale’s Ford sedan was recovered in Seattle. Investigators collected a fingerprint from the rearview mirror, but it remained unidentified until 2017, when it was matched to Barton M. Stebbins, who was 17 years old at the time of the murders. Despite the breakthrough, progress on the case was limited by competing investigative priorities and a lack of dedicated cold case resources.

 

In October 2025, CCSO Cold Case Investigator Michael Ramon and Major Crimes Unit Sergeant Fred Neiman Jr. located and interviewed Stebbins, then 80, in Hemet, California. Although Stebbins did not confess, investigators identified inconsistencies in his statements. Stebbins told investigators he had been traveling with another teenager around the time of the 1962 murders. During the 2025 interview, Stebbins also voluntarily provided investigators with a DNA sample.

 

Investigators worked with the Washington State Patrol (WSP) Crime Laboratory to reexamine evidence from the original investigation, including twine used to bind one of the victims and cigarette butts recovered from Hale’s vehicle.

 

On June 3, 2026, investigators learned that DNA testing indicated Stebbins was likely a contributor to the DNA recovered from the twine. DNA evidence from the cigarette butts also strongly linked him to the vehicle. As investigators prepared to seek an arrest warrant, they learned Stebbins had died of natural causes on June 1, just two days earlier.

 

Investigators continued working to identify a second DNA profile recovered from the cigarette butts. Their investigation led them to Walter Stain, who was also a teenager at the time of the murders and had died in 2019.

 

After obtaining a DNA reference sample from one of Stain’s descendants, investigators learned on October 1, 2026, that the WSP Crime Laboratory had found strong evidence supporting Stain as the contributor to the previously unidentified DNA profile.

 

Although both suspects are now deceased and cannot face prosecution, the Cold Case Team believes the evidence has finally provided answers in a double homicide that remained unsolved for more than six decades.

 

"While we are extremely disappointed that the suspects cannot be held accountable in court, we are grateful to finally have answers," said Sergeant Neiman. "A major part of our mission is finding the truth and providing some measure of closure to victims' families."

 

Investigators have contacted descendants of both victims to share the findings. Surviving family members of both suspects were also cooperative throughout the investigation.

 

The resolution of the case reflects decades of investigative work, advances in forensic DNA technology, and the continued efforts of CCSO's Cold Case Team to bring answers to victims' families.

Attached Media Files: Suspect Stain, Suspect Stebbins, Victim Hale, Victim McCollum,

Driver Cited After Striking Child Near Stopped School Bus; Injuries Minor (Photo) - 10/12/26

On October 12, 2026, at approximately 8:51 a.m., Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies responded to a minor vehicle-pedestrian collision near the 19300 block of NE Allworth Road in Battle Ground.

 

The investigation determined that a school bus had stopped to pick up an elementary school student. As the student began crossing the road, a sedan traveling in the opposite direction slowed but did not stop. The front passenger-side corner of the sedan hit the child, causing the child to fall to the ground. The driver immediately stopped and cooperated with the investigation. The child reportedly sustained minor injuries.

 

The sedan driver was cited for passing a stopped school bus.

 

CCSO reminds drivers that school is back in session, and young students are getting on and off school buses throughout our neighborhoods. Drivers must stop for school buses when required by law. Failing to stop can result in a fine of more than $400.

 

Please slow down, stay alert, and watch for children near school buses and bus stops.

Attached Media Files: School_Bus_Scene.png,

Driver Cited After Striking Child Near Stopped School Bus; Injuries Minor (Photo) - 10/12/26

On October 12, 2026, at approximately 8:51 a.m., Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies responded to a minor vehicle-pedestrian collision near the 19300 block of NE Allworth Road in Battle Ground.

 

The investigation determined that a school bus had stopped to pick up an elementary school student. As the student began crossing the road, a sedan traveling in the opposite direction slowed but did not stop. The front passenger-side corner of the sedan hit the child, causing the child to fall to the ground. The driver immediately stopped and cooperated with the investigation. The child reportedly sustained minor injuries.

 

The sedan driver was cited for passing a stopped school bus.

 

CCSO reminds drivers that school is back in session, and young students are getting on and off school buses throughout our neighborhoods. Drivers must stop for school buses when required by law. Failing to stop can result in a fine of more than $400.

 

Please slow down, stay alert, and watch for children near school buses and bus stops.

Attached Media Files: School_Bus_Scene.png,

One Person Killed In Three-Vehicle Crash In La Center (Photo) - 10/08/26

On October 8, 2026, at approximately 10:41 a.m., Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies responded to a three-vehicle crash in La Center that left one person dead.

 

The crash involved a full-size C-TRAN bus, a Chrysler PT Cruiser, and a minivan.

 

Based on the preliminary investigation, the PT Cruiser was traveling westbound on NW La Center Road when it appears to have crossed the center line and struck the front corner of the C-TRAN bus. The collision triggered a chain-reaction crash involving a minivan traveling behind the PT Cruiser.

 

The female driver of the PT Cruiser, who was the vehicle’s sole occupant, died as a result of the crash.

 

The C-TRAN bus was carrying passengers at the time of the collision. Minor injuries were reported. An adult and a child traveling in the minivan were not injured.

 

NW La Center Road is expected to remain closed for several hours between Timmen Road and Paradise Park Road while investigators process the scene and crews clear the roadway. Drivers are asked to avoid the area and use alternate routes to allow first responders to safely complete their work.

 

The CCSO Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating the crash. The cause remains under investigation.

Attached Media Files: Crash scene,

One Person Killed In Three-Vehicle Crash In La Center (Photo) - 10/08/26

On October 8, 2026, at approximately 10:41 a.m., Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies responded to a three-vehicle crash in La Center that left one person dead.

 

The crash involved a full-size C-TRAN bus, a Chrysler PT Cruiser, and a minivan.

 

Based on the preliminary investigation, the PT Cruiser was traveling westbound on NW La Center Road when it appears to have crossed the center line and struck the front corner of the C-TRAN bus. The collision triggered a chain-reaction crash involving a minivan traveling behind the PT Cruiser.

 

The female driver of the PT Cruiser, who was the vehicle’s sole occupant, died as a result of the crash.

 

The C-TRAN bus was carrying passengers at the time of the collision. Minor injuries were reported. An adult and a child traveling in the minivan were not injured.

 

NW La Center Road is expected to remain closed for several hours between Timmen Road and Paradise Park Road while investigators process the scene and crews clear the roadway. Drivers are asked to avoid the area and use alternate routes to allow first responders to safely complete their work.

 

The CCSO Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating the crash. The cause remains under investigation.

Attached Media Files: Crash scene,

Sheriff’s Statement On Prosecuting Attorney’s Determination In May 7, 2025, Deadly Force Incident (Photo) - 10/05/26

Clark County Sheriff John Horch issued the following statement after the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office determined Deputy Bryson Layton’s use of deadly force during the May 7, 2025, encounter with Marc Fogle was lawfully justified:

 

Today, the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, following an independent investigation by the Washington State Office of Independent Investigations, concluded that Deputy Bryson Layton’s use of deadly force during the May 7, 2025, encounter with Marc Fogle was lawfully justified.


The incident began with Mr. Fogle’s arrest on suspicion of DUI. It escalated into a physical struggle in which Deputy Layton reported Mr. Fogle was attempting to gain control of his loaded firearm. An independent witness reported seeing Mr. Fogle pinning Deputy Layton to the floor and hearing Deputy Layton repeatedly tell him to stop going for his gun. Deputy Layton ultimately used a knife during the struggle, resulting in Mr. Fogle’s death.


The Prosecuting Attorney’s review found that a reasonable officer in those circumstances would have believed deadly force was necessary to prevent death or serious physical harm. The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office determined that Deputy Layton’s actions met Washington law’s objective good faith standard, and no further action is warranted.


The Washington State Office of Independent Investigations (OII) completed its independent investigation last spring and publicly released its investigative report on March 20, 2026. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office also previously released a critical incident video containing footage from Deputy Layton’s body-worn camera. Links to the Prosecuting Attorney’s determination, OII investigative materials, and CCSO critical incident video are available at: clark.wa.gov/sheriff/body-worn-camera-bwc-program.


Throughout this process, I have intentionally avoided debating this incident in headlines, on social media, or in competing public statements while the independent investigation and legal review were underway. It would not have been appropriate to reach conclusions before those processes were complete. Mr. Fogle’s death was a significant loss for his family and friends. Nothing in the investigative findings diminishes that, and I sympathize with their loss.


I am grateful Deputy Layton survived this encounter. I stand behind Deputy Layton, and I believe it is important to say that publicly. Today’s determination brings the criminal review of this incident to a close.

 

— Sheriff John Horch
Clark County Sheriff’s Office

Attached Media Files: SheriffStatement.pdf,

Sheriff’s Statement On Prosecuting Attorney’s Determination In May 7, 2025, Deadly Force Incident (Photo) - 10/05/26

Clark County Sheriff John Horch issued the following statement after the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office determined Deputy Bryson Layton’s use of deadly force during the May 7, 2025, encounter with Marc Fogle was lawfully justified:

 

Today, the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, following an independent investigation by the Washington State Office of Independent Investigations, concluded that Deputy Bryson Layton’s use of deadly force during the May 7, 2025, encounter with Marc Fogle was lawfully justified.


The incident began with Mr. Fogle’s arrest on suspicion of DUI. It escalated into a physical struggle in which Deputy Layton reported Mr. Fogle was attempting to gain control of his loaded firearm. An independent witness reported seeing Mr. Fogle pinning Deputy Layton to the floor and hearing Deputy Layton repeatedly tell him to stop going for his gun. Deputy Layton ultimately used a knife during the struggle, resulting in Mr. Fogle’s death.


The Prosecuting Attorney’s review found that a reasonable officer in those circumstances would have believed deadly force was necessary to prevent death or serious physical harm. The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office determined that Deputy Layton’s actions met Washington law’s objective good faith standard, and no further action is warranted.


The Washington State Office of Independent Investigations (OII) completed its independent investigation last spring and publicly released its investigative report on March 20, 2026. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office also previously released a critical incident video containing footage from Deputy Layton’s body-worn camera. Links to the Prosecuting Attorney’s determination, OII investigative materials, and CCSO critical incident video are available at: clark.wa.gov/sheriff/body-worn-camera-bwc-program.


Throughout this process, I have intentionally avoided debating this incident in headlines, on social media, or in competing public statements while the independent investigation and legal review were underway. It would not have been appropriate to reach conclusions before those processes were complete. Mr. Fogle’s death was a significant loss for his family and friends. Nothing in the investigative findings diminishes that, and I sympathize with their loss.


I am grateful Deputy Layton survived this encounter. I stand behind Deputy Layton, and I believe it is important to say that publicly. Today’s determination brings the criminal review of this incident to a close.

 

— Sheriff John Horch
Clark County Sheriff’s Office

Attached Media Files: SheriffStatement.pdf,

CCSO Deputies Arrest Man After More Than Hour-Long Standoff (Photo) - 09/29/26

Updated: corrected event date to 9/28/26

After a more than hour-long standoff, Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies arrested 48-year-old Aaron Hetland for Malicious Mischief II, Attempt to Elude, and Resisting Arrest.

 

On 9/28/26 at approximately 2:30 p.m., deputies were dispatched to investigate intentional property damage at a residence near the 11200 block of NE 107th Street in the Orchards area. Deputies learned that Hetland had damaged property inside the residence, where he lives with his mother, and had left the area in a blue Toyota Corolla.

 

At approximately 3:45 p.m., Hetland’s mother called 911 again to report that he had returned home. Deputies located Hetland’s vehicle leaving the area as they arrived and attempted a traffic stop. Hetland drove back to the family residence and parked in the driveway but did not exit the vehicle. Deputies told Hetland he was under arrest and instructed him to exit the vehicle. Hetland did not comply and instead struck the garage door with his vehicle before backing out of the driveway and eluding CCSO deputies.

 

At approximately 5:07 p.m., deputies located Hetland’s vehicle traveling on NE 99th Street. Deputies deployed a grappler on the vehicle near the 10500 block of NE 99th Street. Deputies blocked the vehicle and determined Hetland was the only occupant. Deputies also observed Hetland using a knife to inflict self-harm.

 

Deputies spent more than an hour working to de-escalate the situation using crisis negotiators, an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), and less-lethal tools. Hetland eventually complied with deputies’ instructions, exited the vehicle, and was taken into custody at about 6:20 p.m.

 

Hetland was transported by American Medical Response (AMR) to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment of his injuries. He was later booked into the Clark County Jail for Malicious Mischief II – DV, Attempt to Elude, and Resisting Arrest.

Attached Media Files: 99th_Street_arrest.png,

CCSO Deputies Arrest Man After More Than Hour-Long Standoff (Photo) - 09/29/26

Updated: corrected event date to 9/28/26

After a more than hour-long standoff, Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies arrested 48-year-old Aaron Hetland for Malicious Mischief II, Attempt to Elude, and Resisting Arrest.

 

On 9/28/26 at approximately 2:30 p.m., deputies were dispatched to investigate intentional property damage at a residence near the 11200 block of NE 107th Street in the Orchards area. Deputies learned that Hetland had damaged property inside the residence, where he lives with his mother, and had left the area in a blue Toyota Corolla.

 

At approximately 3:45 p.m., Hetland’s mother called 911 again to report that he had returned home. Deputies located Hetland’s vehicle leaving the area as they arrived and attempted a traffic stop. Hetland drove back to the family residence and parked in the driveway but did not exit the vehicle. Deputies told Hetland he was under arrest and instructed him to exit the vehicle. Hetland did not comply and instead struck the garage door with his vehicle before backing out of the driveway and eluding CCSO deputies.

 

At approximately 5:07 p.m., deputies located Hetland’s vehicle traveling on NE 99th Street. Deputies deployed a grappler on the vehicle near the 10500 block of NE 99th Street. Deputies blocked the vehicle and determined Hetland was the only occupant. Deputies also observed Hetland using a knife to inflict self-harm.

 

Deputies spent more than an hour working to de-escalate the situation using crisis negotiators, an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), and less-lethal tools. Hetland eventually complied with deputies’ instructions, exited the vehicle, and was taken into custody at about 6:20 p.m.

 

Hetland was transported by American Medical Response (AMR) to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment of his injuries. He was later booked into the Clark County Jail for Malicious Mischief II – DV, Attempt to Elude, and Resisting Arrest.

Attached Media Files: 99th_Street_arrest.png,

Deputies Arrest Registered Sex Offender Following Rape, Kidnapping Investigation - 09/22/26

On September 21, 2026, at approximately 10:09 p.m., Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies contacted a 17-year-old who reported that her significant other had assaulted her and held her against her will.

 

The victim fled to Oregon and called 911. During the investigation, deputies learned the suspect had allegedly strangled the victim, assaulted her with a knife, restrained and held her against her will, and sexually assaulted her.

 

Deputies identified the suspect as 41-year-old David Young.

 

Deputies responded to Young’s residence, near the 1700 block of NE Minnehaha Street, and established containment around the area. CCSO’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Unit provided an overhead view of the apartment complex and located Young moving through the complex and entering a residence.

 

Young later attempted to flee by jumping over fences. He encountered deputies and returned inside the residence.

 

Young eventually exited the residence but refused deputies’ commands to surrender. Deputies deployed CCSO K-9 Ajax, and Young retreated inside, slamming the door on Ajax’s head and feet before closing the door. Young surrendered shortly afterward, and deputies took him into custody without further incident.

 

Deputies booked Young into the Clark County Jail on charges of Assault in the First Degree – Domestic Violence, Assault in the Second Degree (Strangulation) – Domestic Violence, Kidnapping in the First Degree – Domestic Violence, and Rape in the First Degree – Domestic Violence.

Deputies Arrest Registered Sex Offender Following Rape, Kidnapping Investigation - 09/22/26

On September 21, 2026, at approximately 10:09 p.m., Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies contacted a 17-year-old who reported that her significant other had assaulted her and held her against her will.

 

The victim fled to Oregon and called 911. During the investigation, deputies learned the suspect had allegedly strangled the victim, assaulted her with a knife, restrained and held her against her will, and sexually assaulted her.

 

Deputies identified the suspect as 41-year-old David Young.

 

Deputies responded to Young’s residence, near the 1700 block of NE Minnehaha Street, and established containment around the area. CCSO’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Unit provided an overhead view of the apartment complex and located Young moving through the complex and entering a residence.

 

Young later attempted to flee by jumping over fences. He encountered deputies and returned inside the residence.

 

Young eventually exited the residence but refused deputies’ commands to surrender. Deputies deployed CCSO K-9 Ajax, and Young retreated inside, slamming the door on Ajax’s head and feet before closing the door. Young surrendered shortly afterward, and deputies took him into custody without further incident.

 

Deputies booked Young into the Clark County Jail on charges of Assault in the First Degree – Domestic Violence, Assault in the Second Degree (Strangulation) – Domestic Violence, Kidnapping in the First Degree – Domestic Violence, and Rape in the First Degree – Domestic Violence.