Multnomah Co. Sheriff's Office

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News Release

Swimmer Drowns At Rooster Rock State Park - 07/12/26

On July 12, 2026 at approximately 2:05pm deputies from the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) responded to a 911 call reporting a person who was seen swimming near Sand Island appeared to be in distress and did not resurface.  Sand Island is located on the east end of Rooster Rock State Park and sits within the Columbia River.

MCSO deputies assigned to the Patrol, River Patrol and Airborne Law Enforcement Support Units began searching the area along with personnel from the Corbett, Gresham and Port of Portland Fire Departments.  Using fixed wing aircraft, a drone and various watercraft rescue personnel searched the area where the swimmer was last seen for more than an hour.  MCSO deputies assigned to the Dive Team joined the search and eventually located the person's body at approximately 5:15pm.

The deceased person's body was transferred to the Multnomah County Medical Examiner's Office and no other information is available for release at this time.

In addition to the fire departments listed in this release, MCSO was assisted at the scene by staff from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department who operate Rooster Rock State Park.

Swimmer Drowns At Rooster Rock State Park - 07/12/26

On July 12, 2026 at approximately 2:05pm deputies from the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) responded to a 911 call reporting a person who was seen swimming near Sand Island appeared to be in distress and did not resurface.  Sand Island is located on the east end of Rooster Rock State Park and sits within the Columbia River.

MCSO deputies assigned to the Patrol, River Patrol and Airborne Law Enforcement Support Units began searching the area along with personnel from the Corbett, Gresham and Port of Portland Fire Departments.  Using fixed wing aircraft, a drone and various watercraft rescue personnel searched the area where the swimmer was last seen for more than an hour.  MCSO deputies assigned to the Dive Team joined the search and eventually located the person's body at approximately 5:15pm.

The deceased person's body was transferred to the Multnomah County Medical Examiner's Office and no other information is available for release at this time.

In addition to the fire departments listed in this release, MCSO was assisted at the scene by staff from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department who operate Rooster Rock State Park.

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Investigating Deadly Boat Crash On Willamette River - 07/05/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deadly Fourth of July weekend boating crash on the Willamette River.

 

This investigation began at 11:24 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026, when the Bureau of Emergency Communications received a 911 call reporting a boat had run ashore in the 14900 block of Northwest Gillihan Road on Sauvie Island.

 

The Sauvie Island Fire Department, American Medical Response, and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office responded.

 

When crews arrived, they found one woman dead. Paramedics took four other people to the hospital, including the boat’s operator. None of the four people have life-threatening injuries.

 

All occupants are believed to be adults.

 

Based on the preliminary investigation, the boat – described as a 33-foot cabin cruiser – hit a portion of an aluminum walkway that extended to a dock, anchored by several large vertical pilings.

 

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. At this point, it is too early to determine if speed, impairment, or lighting conditions were contributing factors.

 

Because next-of-kin notifications have not been completed, the identity of the person killed is being withheld and no additional information about the case can be released at this time.

 

Detectives from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Unit responded and are coordinating with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

 

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change.  

 

No photos from the scene are available for release at this time.

 

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Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Investigating Deadly Boat Crash On Willamette River - 07/05/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deadly Fourth of July weekend boating crash on the Willamette River.

 

This investigation began at 11:24 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026, when the Bureau of Emergency Communications received a 911 call reporting a boat had run ashore in the 14900 block of Northwest Gillihan Road on Sauvie Island.

 

The Sauvie Island Fire Department, American Medical Response, and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office responded.

 

When crews arrived, they found one woman dead. Paramedics took four other people to the hospital, including the boat’s operator. None of the four people have life-threatening injuries.

 

All occupants are believed to be adults.

 

Based on the preliminary investigation, the boat – described as a 33-foot cabin cruiser – hit a portion of an aluminum walkway that extended to a dock, anchored by several large vertical pilings.

 

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. At this point, it is too early to determine if speed, impairment, or lighting conditions were contributing factors.

 

Because next-of-kin notifications have not been completed, the identity of the person killed is being withheld and no additional information about the case can be released at this time.

 

Detectives from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Unit responded and are coordinating with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

 

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change.  

 

No photos from the scene are available for release at this time.

 

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Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Coast Guard Conduct Columbia River Gorge Rescue - 07/03/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – A coordinated multi-agency operation successfully rescued a hiker from the Columbia River Gorge after she injured herself on a popular hiking trail.

 

Around 10 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and Corbett Fire received reports that a hiker had fallen.

 

The incident occurred east of the Angels Rest Trailhead, located at 47500 East Historic Columbia River Highway.

 

Corbett Fire personnel and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office deputies reached the hiker and conducted a medical assessment.

 

Because of the rugged terrain, the incident commander determined a standard carry-out evacuation would be unsafe.

 

To ensure the patient’s safety, emergency officials initiated a search and rescue operation and requested help from the U.S. Coast Guard.

 

A team of nine members with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue hiked up the trail to assist personnel in the field.

 

Due to the dense and steep terrain, the U.S. Coast Guard performed a hoist rescue operation. By approximately 3:40 p.m., the patient, a woman from New York, was successfully lifted into the aircraft and flown to Troutdale.

 

Paramedics took her to the hospital.

 

The woman’s injuries are not considered life-threatening.

 

Photos from today’s rescue are being released. Please credit the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in full.

 

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change.  

 

About MCSOSAR
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (MCSOSAR) team is a volunteer organization whose objective is to serve the community by searching for and rescuing lost or injured persons in wilderness or urban areas, assisting with evacuations during emergencies, assisting law enforcement with evidence searches, and educating the public. MCSOSAR is the primary search and rescue resource for Multnomah County and the western Columbia River Gorge.

 

 

 

 

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Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Coast Guard Conduct Columbia River Gorge Rescue - 07/03/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – A coordinated multi-agency operation successfully rescued a hiker from the Columbia River Gorge after she injured herself on a popular hiking trail.

 

Around 10 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and Corbett Fire received reports that a hiker had fallen.

 

The incident occurred east of the Angels Rest Trailhead, located at 47500 East Historic Columbia River Highway.

 

Corbett Fire personnel and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office deputies reached the hiker and conducted a medical assessment.

 

Because of the rugged terrain, the incident commander determined a standard carry-out evacuation would be unsafe.

 

To ensure the patient’s safety, emergency officials initiated a search and rescue operation and requested help from the U.S. Coast Guard.

 

A team of nine members with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue hiked up the trail to assist personnel in the field.

 

Due to the dense and steep terrain, the U.S. Coast Guard performed a hoist rescue operation. By approximately 3:40 p.m., the patient, a woman from New York, was successfully lifted into the aircraft and flown to Troutdale.

 

Paramedics took her to the hospital.

 

The woman’s injuries are not considered life-threatening.

 

Photos from today’s rescue are being released. Please credit the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in full.

 

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change.  

 

About MCSOSAR
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (MCSOSAR) team is a volunteer organization whose objective is to serve the community by searching for and rescuing lost or injured persons in wilderness or urban areas, assisting with evacuations during emergencies, assisting law enforcement with evidence searches, and educating the public. MCSOSAR is the primary search and rescue resource for Multnomah County and the western Columbia River Gorge.

 

 

 

 

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Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search And Rescue Safely Locates 14-Year-Old Boy In Corbett (Photo) - 06/24/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – Deputies with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and the Multnomah County Search and Rescue (MCSOSAR) Team rescued a young teenager who had become trapped in a heavily wooded area in Corbett.

 

At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the Bureau of Emergency Communications received information about a 14-year-old who had wandered into the woods near his family’s home in Corbett near Camp Angelos but was unable to find his way back out.

 

The rescue included a combination of specialized ground teams from the Multnomah County Search and Rescue Team and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team.

 

Two deputies quickly launched their drones and made visual contact with the teen, confirming he was staying in one place.

 

Search teams on the ground, being directed in by the drones, discovered the boy was surrounded by an exceptionally thick barrier of blackberry bushes.

 

The search and rescuers used cutting tools to clear the brush.

 

While ground teams cut their way through the heavy vegetation, the drone operators monitored the teen's safety throughout the operation.

 

By 7:12 p.m., MCSOSAR successfully reached the teenager, confirmed he was uninjured, and began walking him out of the dense brush. All search and rescue teams and the teen safely returned to the command post by 7:30 p.m.

 

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the quick and coordinated actions of our MCSOSAR coordinators, the search teams, and our drone operators for ensuring this incident concluded safely with zero injuries.

 

Photos from MCSO’s drone team are being released. Please credit the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in full. Because there are multiple 'MCSO' agencies within Oregon (including Marion, Morrow, and Malheur counties), using the full name of the sheriff’s office ensures better accuracy.

 

About MCSOSAR

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (MCSOSAR) team is a volunteer organization whose objective is to serve the community by searching for and rescuing lost or injured persons in wilderness or urban areas, assisting with evacuations during emergencies, assisting law enforcement with evidence searches, and educating the public. MCSOSAR is the primary search and rescue resource for Multnomah County and the western Columbia River Gorge.

Attached Media Files: DJI_20260623191615_0005_W.JPG, DJI_20260623191452_0003_Z.JPG, DJI_20260623191615_0005_Z.JPG, DJI_20260623192359_0007_Z.JPG,

Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search And Rescue Safely Locates 14-Year-Old Boy In Corbett (Photo) - 06/24/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – Deputies with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and the Multnomah County Search and Rescue (MCSOSAR) Team rescued a young teenager who had become trapped in a heavily wooded area in Corbett.

 

At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the Bureau of Emergency Communications received information about a 14-year-old who had wandered into the woods near his family’s home in Corbett near Camp Angelos but was unable to find his way back out.

 

The rescue included a combination of specialized ground teams from the Multnomah County Search and Rescue Team and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team.

 

Two deputies quickly launched their drones and made visual contact with the teen, confirming he was staying in one place.

 

Search teams on the ground, being directed in by the drones, discovered the boy was surrounded by an exceptionally thick barrier of blackberry bushes.

 

The search and rescuers used cutting tools to clear the brush.

 

While ground teams cut their way through the heavy vegetation, the drone operators monitored the teen's safety throughout the operation.

 

By 7:12 p.m., MCSOSAR successfully reached the teenager, confirmed he was uninjured, and began walking him out of the dense brush. All search and rescue teams and the teen safely returned to the command post by 7:30 p.m.

 

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the quick and coordinated actions of our MCSOSAR coordinators, the search teams, and our drone operators for ensuring this incident concluded safely with zero injuries.

 

Photos from MCSO’s drone team are being released. Please credit the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in full. Because there are multiple 'MCSO' agencies within Oregon (including Marion, Morrow, and Malheur counties), using the full name of the sheriff’s office ensures better accuracy.

 

About MCSOSAR

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (MCSOSAR) team is a volunteer organization whose objective is to serve the community by searching for and rescuing lost or injured persons in wilderness or urban areas, assisting with evacuations during emergencies, assisting law enforcement with evidence searches, and educating the public. MCSOSAR is the primary search and rescue resource for Multnomah County and the western Columbia River Gorge.

Attached Media Files: DJI_20260623191615_0005_W.JPG, DJI_20260623191452_0003_Z.JPG, DJI_20260623191615_0005_Z.JPG, DJI_20260623192359_0007_Z.JPG,

Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Urges Water Safety Ahead Of Expected Warm Weather (Photo) - 06/22/26

View this news release online.

 

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – With temperatures in the Portland area expected to reach 90 degrees again this week, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is reminding community members to prioritize safety while enjoying local rivers and lakes. 

 

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit responded to 12 calls for service on the weekend of June 13 and June 14, 2026. These included reports of public intoxication, a boat fire, and assisting a jet‑ski operator in distress—among other emergencies—all in addition to performing their routine patrols across 110 miles of waterways. 

 

Of the calls for service, three involved people recreationally jumping from local bridges—an illegal and highly dangerous activity that puts both the jumpers and responding first‑responder teams at serious risk. 

 

That same weekend, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Dive Team responded to Columbia County to assist in a search and recovery operation on the Columbia River.  

Just before 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) received a 911 call from a community member reporting a boat fire near Kerr Public Dock. According to witnesses, several people jumped off the boat before it sank into the Willamette River. The River Patrol Unit responded to the call as did Portland Fire & Rescue. 

  

While River Patrol deputies assisted with this emergency response, BOEC received a separate 911 call from a jet skier who witnessed a woman flip her jet ski near Chinook Landing. The jet skier was pinned by logs and debris floating in the Columbia River. Fortunately, she was wearing a life vest at the time of the incident.  

 

Managing 110 miles of waterways is highly demanding work that relies on teamwork and coordination. To ensure fast and safe responses, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office works with our local law enforcement and fire service partners, including the Portland Police Bureau, Portland Fire & Rescue, Gresham Fire Department, and Corbett Fire. By also working in close alignment with the Clark County Sheriff's Office, the Vancouver Fire Department, and the U.S. Coast Guard, we help to ensure our public safety network is prepared to respond to our communities.  

 

As more people head to the water to swim, paddleboard, kayak, boat, or cool off along the shore, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit emphasizes the importance of wearing a properly fitted life vest. It is the simplest and most effective way to prevent tragedy while on the water. 

 

Additionally, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office would like to share the following safety tips: 

  • Never swim alone. 

  • Keep a close watch over children at all times. 

  • Be aware of strong currents, cold water temperatures, and sudden drop‑offs common in area rivers. 

  • Avoid alcohol or drugs when swimming or operating a boat. 

  • Check conditions before you go, as the weather, water temperature, and river flow can change quickly. 

  • Use designated swimming areas whenever possible. 

  • Always carry a charged phone in a waterproof case. 

  • If kayaking, tubing, or paddling, share your plans with someone and provide an expected return time. 

  • Do not jump off local bridges. It is illegal and highly dangerous. 

Having a clear plan before enjoying local waterways greatly improves safety for you and for first responders. 

 

The Oregon State Marine Board maintains a list of valuable boating education resources to help you form a solid, safe plan, including: 

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Attached Media Files: A Multnomah County Sheriff's Office River Patrol Unit vessel is docked along the Columbia River.,

Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Urges Water Safety Ahead Of Expected Warm Weather (Photo) - 06/22/26

View this news release online.

 

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – With temperatures in the Portland area expected to reach 90 degrees again this week, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is reminding community members to prioritize safety while enjoying local rivers and lakes. 

 

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit responded to 12 calls for service on the weekend of June 13 and June 14, 2026. These included reports of public intoxication, a boat fire, and assisting a jet‑ski operator in distress—among other emergencies—all in addition to performing their routine patrols across 110 miles of waterways. 

 

Of the calls for service, three involved people recreationally jumping from local bridges—an illegal and highly dangerous activity that puts both the jumpers and responding first‑responder teams at serious risk. 

 

That same weekend, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Dive Team responded to Columbia County to assist in a search and recovery operation on the Columbia River.  

Just before 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) received a 911 call from a community member reporting a boat fire near Kerr Public Dock. According to witnesses, several people jumped off the boat before it sank into the Willamette River. The River Patrol Unit responded to the call as did Portland Fire & Rescue. 

  

While River Patrol deputies assisted with this emergency response, BOEC received a separate 911 call from a jet skier who witnessed a woman flip her jet ski near Chinook Landing. The jet skier was pinned by logs and debris floating in the Columbia River. Fortunately, she was wearing a life vest at the time of the incident.  

 

Managing 110 miles of waterways is highly demanding work that relies on teamwork and coordination. To ensure fast and safe responses, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office works with our local law enforcement and fire service partners, including the Portland Police Bureau, Portland Fire & Rescue, Gresham Fire Department, and Corbett Fire. By also working in close alignment with the Clark County Sheriff's Office, the Vancouver Fire Department, and the U.S. Coast Guard, we help to ensure our public safety network is prepared to respond to our communities.  

 

As more people head to the water to swim, paddleboard, kayak, boat, or cool off along the shore, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit emphasizes the importance of wearing a properly fitted life vest. It is the simplest and most effective way to prevent tragedy while on the water. 

 

Additionally, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office would like to share the following safety tips: 

  • Never swim alone. 

  • Keep a close watch over children at all times. 

  • Be aware of strong currents, cold water temperatures, and sudden drop‑offs common in area rivers. 

  • Avoid alcohol or drugs when swimming or operating a boat. 

  • Check conditions before you go, as the weather, water temperature, and river flow can change quickly. 

  • Use designated swimming areas whenever possible. 

  • Always carry a charged phone in a waterproof case. 

  • If kayaking, tubing, or paddling, share your plans with someone and provide an expected return time. 

  • Do not jump off local bridges. It is illegal and highly dangerous. 

Having a clear plan before enjoying local waterways greatly improves safety for you and for first responders. 

 

The Oregon State Marine Board maintains a list of valuable boating education resources to help you form a solid, safe plan, including: 

### 

Attached Media Files: A Multnomah County Sheriff's Office River Patrol Unit vessel is docked along the Columbia River.,

Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Patrol SUV Hit In Secondary Crash During Emergency Response On I-84 - 06/20/26

View this release online.

 

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – Oregon State Police are investigating after a driver may have become unresponsive and crashed into a parked Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle that was blocking traffic to protect the scene of an earlier crash on westbound Interstate 84 near Rooster Rock State Park.

 

This investigation began at approximately 8:15 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, when deputies with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office responded to a traffic crash involving a semi-truck that hit a car on the shoulder on westbound Interstate 84 near Rooster Rock State Park. The crash resulted in one person being seriously injured.

 

When deputies got on scene, they positioned their patrol SUVs with their emergency lights on to block one of the lanes and establish a safety barrier.

 

While deputies and paramedics provided medical aid, a secondary crash occurred east of the original crash, involving two of the parked patrol SUVs.

 

A man driving a Kia sedan hit the rear of a deputy’s patrol SUV, pushing it forward into the back of another patrol SUV. Witnesses reported the driver of the Kia may have become unresponsive at the wheel prior to the crash.

 

A Life Flight helicopter took the person from the initial crash to the hospital.

 

The crash involving the Kia sedan knocked the driver unconscious. Firefighters pulled the man from his car and paramedics from American Medical Response (AMR) took him to the hospital. No deputies were injured in the secondary crash.

 

The first deputy’s SUV received heavy damage and is likely a total loss, while the second deputy’s SUV sustained moderate damage to the rear driver's side.

 

The Oregon State Police are investigating both crashes.

 

A photo from the scene is being released. Please credit the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in full. Because there are multiple 'MCSO' agencies within Oregon (including Marion, Morrow, and Malheur counties), using the full name of the sheriff’s office ensures better accuracy.

 

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change. 

 

 

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Follow us on social media: @MultCoSo

www.mcso.us

Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Patrol SUV Hit In Secondary Crash During Emergency Response On I-84 - 06/20/26

View this release online.

 

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – Oregon State Police are investigating after a driver may have become unresponsive and crashed into a parked Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle that was blocking traffic to protect the scene of an earlier crash on westbound Interstate 84 near Rooster Rock State Park.

 

This investigation began at approximately 8:15 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, when deputies with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office responded to a traffic crash involving a semi-truck that hit a car on the shoulder on westbound Interstate 84 near Rooster Rock State Park. The crash resulted in one person being seriously injured.

 

When deputies got on scene, they positioned their patrol SUVs with their emergency lights on to block one of the lanes and establish a safety barrier.

 

While deputies and paramedics provided medical aid, a secondary crash occurred east of the original crash, involving two of the parked patrol SUVs.

 

A man driving a Kia sedan hit the rear of a deputy’s patrol SUV, pushing it forward into the back of another patrol SUV. Witnesses reported the driver of the Kia may have become unresponsive at the wheel prior to the crash.

 

A Life Flight helicopter took the person from the initial crash to the hospital.

 

The crash involving the Kia sedan knocked the driver unconscious. Firefighters pulled the man from his car and paramedics from American Medical Response (AMR) took him to the hospital. No deputies were injured in the secondary crash.

 

The first deputy’s SUV received heavy damage and is likely a total loss, while the second deputy’s SUV sustained moderate damage to the rear driver's side.

 

The Oregon State Police are investigating both crashes.

 

A photo from the scene is being released. Please credit the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in full. Because there are multiple 'MCSO' agencies within Oregon (including Marion, Morrow, and Malheur counties), using the full name of the sheriff’s office ensures better accuracy.

 

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change. 

 

 

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Follow us on social media: @MultCoSo

www.mcso.us