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On Saturday, June 1, 2019, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Sheriff’s Office Foundation, will hold the 14th Annual K-9 Trials at Hillsboro Stadium. This is Oregon’s premier police K-9 competition where K-9 units from throughout the region compete for the coveted prize of “Top Dog.”
This free, family event is a great opportunity for the public to connect with local public safety agencies and learn about the talented K-9 units protecting our communities.
Competition events include: area search, agility course, suspect apprehension, handler protection, vehicle extraction and fastest dog. Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to the top three dogs of each event, based on the fastest times. The “Top Dog” designation will be awarded to the overall winner based upon a point system for each event.
In addition to the entertaining competition, spectators will enjoy a safety fair consisting of local public safety agencies, food and drinks available for purchase, and a meet-and-greet with the K-9s after the competition.
Bring the whole family, but please leave pets at home (service animals are okay).
The competition begins at 11 a.m.
** MEDIA OPPORTUNITY **
Media interested in arranging a K-9 demonstration or interviews the week before the event (including early morning) should contact the Sheriff’s Office Communications Sergeant Danny DiPietro at 503-969-9924 or email WCSOPIO@co.washington.or.us
Video Promo: bit.ly/2Eik4bZ
On Thursday, May 16, 2019, detectives from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office arrested William Offinga, 55, on one count of reckless driving and one count of felony hit and run related to an incident that happened on May 11, 2019 in rural Washington County, northwest of Forest Grove.
Several tips led detectives to Mr. Offinga’s residence outside of Forest Grove where a search warrant was executed. A vehicle matching the description from witnesses was located with damage consistent with a crash.
Mr. Offinga was booked into the Washington County Jail this afternoon.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office thanks everyone who offered information leading to the arrest of this suspect.
The original media release is below.
### WCSO ###
Wanted: Unidentified, Reckless Driver Who Hit and Injured Bicyclist
May 13, 2019
On Saturday, May 11, 2019, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported hit and run crash involving a driver and a bicyclist in unincorporated Washington County, northwest of Forest Grove.
According to witness reports, an unidentified man was driving a newer Mercedes convertible around 2:00 p.m. on NW Hillside Road when he hit a bicyclist stopped on the shoulder. The victim was checking his map when the unidentified driver hit him somewhere near the intersection with NW Clapshaw Hill Road. The victim was knocked to the ground, his clothing torn and was bleeding from the leg. The suspect drove off, making no attempt to stop and check on him, and gave the bicyclist “the finger” as he drove off.
The suspect was also seen driving recklessly, swerving into oncoming lanes of traffic. A motorcyclist told deputies he was almost run off the road and nearly hit by the same driver on NW Old Clapshaw Hill Road.
A short video was obtained by one of the witnesses of the suspect vehicle.
SUSPECT DESCRIPTION:
- White man, 60s
- Baseball cap
- Thick “Tom Selleck” mustache
- Newer Mercedes convertible
- Champagne colored
Anyone with information about this vehicle or driver is asked to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office by calling non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111.
The statistics speak for themselves. In 2017, more than 10,000 people in the United States were killed in vehicle crashes where the occupants were not wearing seat belts, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That’s why the Washington County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with NHTSA, Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Oregon State Sheriff’s Association (OSAA), and law enforcement agencies across the state to promote proper seat belt use and increase public safety.
Between the dates of May 20 and June 2, 2019, extra deputies will be on the roadways looking for drivers and passengers not wearing, or improperly using seat belts. We will also be on the lookout for drivers not using their seat belts after dark, since nighttime is especially deadly for unbuckled occupants. In 2017, 55% of passenger vehicle occupants killed at night were not wearing their seat belts.
For safety belt systems, proper use means the lap belt must be placed low across the hips and the shoulder belt should cross the center of the chest over the collar bone. Belts should be free of slack and have no twists or knots. The shoulder belt should NOT be placed under the arm or behind the back. This can cause serious internal injuries or ejection in a crash.
Information regarding safe driving can be found at www.oregonimpact.org.
The Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Unit is dedicated to promoting and improving traffic safety through education, analysis, and enforcement.
Learn more about the team: http://bit.ly/2YBfTzQ
On May 3, 2019, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to reports of a kitten trapped inside a garbage can at Hillsboro Garbage Disposal on SW Minter Bridge Road in unincorporated Washington County, just south of Hillsboro.
A garbage collector was working to empty a trash can at a property on SW Minter Bridge Road, just north of the Hillsboro Garbage Disposal location. While trying to empty the can using a hydraulic arm, the driver noticed the contents of the can were not emptying. Upon further inspection, he noticed a small cat, encased in spray foam, hanging upside down from its back legs. The driver knew the cat was still alive because he could hear it whining.
The driver took the garbage can back to the Hillsboro Garbage Disposal facility where shop staff worked together to remove the 8-week-old male kitten from the spray foam and take it to a local veterinarian for care.
The trash can comes from a property with multiple structures, including two residences and several rented outbuildings. The kitten likely belongs to one of two different feral cats that live on the property, both with litters of kittens. With all the people coming and going from the property, it’s unclear who may be responsible for this act of animal cruelty.
The kitten is recovering at Washington County Animal Services’ Bonnie L. Hays Small Animal Shelter and is expected to make a full recovery. The cat will be returned to its owners once the investigation is completed.
If anyone has any tips, please contact Cpl. Brandon Talbott at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office by calling 503-846-2700.
Video News Release: http://bit.ly/2Q3PEyM
(Link may not work with Internet Explorer)
Colt Burnes was located today in Oklahoma. Colt is currently in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Colt is in good health. Oregon Department of Human Services will travel to Oklahoma to take custody of Colt so they can bring him back to Oregon.
Colt’s father, Gaige Burnes, was not located and is still outstanding.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Human Services (DHS) are asking for the public’s help in locating Gaige Burnes (date of birth: July 6, 1993) and his three-year-old son, Colt Burnes. Gaige currently has a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest and is suspected to be transient in the Hillsboro area, possibly near Shute Park.
Gaige’s son, Colt, is believed to be with him. DHS currently has a Protective Custody Order for Colt. Due to past incidents, DHS believes Colt could be in harm's way or not receiving the care he needs.
Anyone with information about Gaige or Colt Burnes is asked to call non-emergency dispatch at (503) 629-0111. Deputies ask the public not to confront Gaige if they see him in public.
***DHS currently has custody of Colt and has given permission to use Colt’s picture for media purposes. This is the best photo available of Colt***
On Saturday, May 11, 2019, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported hit and run crash involving a driver and a bicyclist in unincorporated Washington County, northwest of Forest Grove.
According to witness reports, an unidentified man was driving a newer Mercedes convertible around 2:00 p.m. on NW Hillside Road when he hit a bicyclist stopped on the shoulder. The victim was checking his map when the unidentified driver hit him somewhere near the intersection with NW Clapshaw Hill Road. The victim was knocked to the ground, his clothing torn and was bleeding from the leg. The suspect drove off, making no attempt to stop and check on him, and gave the bicyclist “the finger” as he drove off.
The suspect was also seen driving recklessly, swerving into oncoming lanes of traffic. A motorcyclist told deputies he was almost run off the road and nearly hit by the same driver on NW Old Clapshaw Hill Road.
A short video was obtained by one of the witnesses of the suspect vehicle.
SUSPECT DESCRIPTION:
- White man, 60s
- Baseball cap
- Thick “Tom Selleck” mustache
- Newer Mercedes convertible
- Champagne colored
Anyone with information about this vehicle or driver is asked to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office by calling non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111.
On Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at 10:29 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a crash located at 1855 SW Edgewood Court in Beaverton. Deputies were told a white BMW had crashed into a house at the location. When deputies arrived, they found substantial damage to the home and discovered the driver had fled on foot.
The accomplished K9 Stark and his handler came to the scene to attempt to locate the suspect. A short time later K9 Stark found the driver, 33-year-old Justin Casto, hiding in the backyard of a residential home approximately a quarter mile from the crash scene.
During the investigation deputies discovered before Mr. Casto crashed, he had driven recklessly through a construction zone, knocking over multiple traffic cones and almost hitting several construction workers.
Mr. Casto’s blood alcohol level was 0.08% two hours after the crash occurred. Mr. Casto was arrested and lodged in the Washington County Jail.
Mr. Casto’s charges:
- Driving under the influence of intoxicants
- Failure to perform duties of a driver - property damaged
- Criminal mischief in the second degree
- Reckless endangerment of highway workers
Later in the night, at 12:51 a.m on Wednesday, another traffic crash was reported near the intersection of NW West Union Road and NW Laidlaw Road. When deputies arrived, they located a heavily damaged 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. The vehicle had crashed into a four-foot tall cinderblock wall.
Deputies identified the driver as 27-year-old Matthias Bider. Mr. Bider was cooperative at the scene and was later arrested for driving under the influence of intoxicants, criminal mischief, and reckless driving. It was determined that Mr. Bider’s blood alcohol level was 0.189%
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the community that DUIIs are 100% preventable. Please be responsible when consuming alcoholic beverages or any other intoxicant. Plan ahead, use a designated driver, order a taxi/rideshare service.
On May 6, 2019, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Miguel Almarez Estrada turned himself into the Washington County Jail. He was charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Criminal Mischief in the second degree, and five counts of Menacing. The investigation is ongoing.
Deputies are still asking anyone with information about this incident to call dispatch at 503-629-0111
Original release:
Man Wanted After Shooting Parked SUV
May 5, 2019
On Sunday, May 5, 2019, at 1:09 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a shooting in Aloha. Residents of the apartment complex at 18000 SW Shaw Street reported an unoccupied SUV was shot in the parking lot.
Deputies identified 21-year-old Miguel Almarez Estrada of Aloha as the suspect and began to evacuate the apartment complex, based on information that Mr. Estrada may have gone back inside one of the apartments.
Members of the inter-agency Washington County Tactical Negotiations Team and the Crisis Negotiations Unit responded to the scene and when they searched the apartment, Mr. Estrada was not inside and had already fled.
Deputies are asking anyone with information about this incident to call Dispatch at 503-629-0111. If you see Mr. Estrada, call 911 and do not approach him as he may still be armed.
On Sunday, May 5, 2019, at 1:09 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a shooting in Aloha. Residents of the apartment complex at 18000 SW Shaw Street reported an unoccupied SUV was shot in the parking lot.
Deputies identified 21-year-old Miguel Almarez Estrada of Aloha as the suspect and began to evacuate the apartment complex, based on information that Mr. Estrada may have gone back inside one of the apartments.
Members of the inter-agency Washington County Tactical Negotiations Team and the Crisis Negotiations Unit responded to the scene and when they searched the apartment, Mr. Estrada was not inside and had already fled.
Deputies are asking anyone with information about this incident to call Dispatch at 503-629-0111. If you see Mr. Estrada, call 911 and do not approach him as he may still be armed.
Update: Several citizens came across Ms. Negrete not far from her family’s home and called deputies, who were able to safely reunite her with her family. Thank you for your help getting the word out to make sure she got home safe!
Original Release:
On Sunday, May 5, 2019, just after 12:30 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a missing person in the 17500 block of NW Reindeer Drive in the community of Bethany.
Family members reported that 73-year-old Magdalena Negrete had left for a walk around 7 a.m. and never returned. Ms. Negrete just arrived in Oregon yesterday to visit her family and only speaks Spanish. She is described as a Hispanic woman, 5’2” tall, 100 pounds, with brown hair. The attached photo was taken on May 4, 2019.
Ms. Negrete was last seen wearing black pants with a pink stripe (seen in attached photo) and a grey jacket. Ms. Negrete walks daily but her family is concerned that she got lost and may not be able to ask for help.
Deputies continue to search the area, and are asking for your help. If you see Ms. Negrete or have information about her location, please call non-emergency Dispatch at 503-629-0111.
On Sunday, May 5, 2019, just after 12:30 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a missing person in the 17500 block of NW Reindeer Drive in the community of Bethany.
Family members reported that 73-year-old Magdalena Negrete had left for a walk around 7 a.m. and never returned. Ms. Negrete just arrived in Oregon yesterday to visit her family and only speaks Spanish. She is described as a Hispanic woman, 5’2” tall, 100 pounds, with brown hair. The attached photo was taken on May 4, 2019.
Ms. Negrete was last seen wearing black pants with a pink stripe (seen in attached photo) and a grey jacket. Ms. Negrete walks daily but her family is concerned that she got lost and may not be able to ask for help.
Deputies continue to search the area, and are asking for your help. If you see Ms. Negrete or have information about her location, please call non-emergency Dispatch at 503-629-0111.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the 200th capture for Corporal Micah Akin & K9 Stark! The dynamic duo logged their milestone capture on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 while assisting Forest Grove Police in tracking down a suspect.
At around 6:00 p.m., a woman reported to police her 20-year-old son-in-law was recording cell phone video of an underage girl in the bathroom. The suspect ran off into a large field. K-9 Stark arrived and tracked the man through the field. The team located him hiding 15 feet up in a tree. The suspect surrendered to Corporal Akin and K9 Stark.
Corporal Akin and K9 Stark have been partners since October of 2012. Stark was born in California and is half German Shepherd and half Belgian Malinois. Corporal Akin and K9 Stark are certified in both narcotics detection and tracking. In August 2017, K9 Stark had knee surgery on both of his back legs. Remarkably, he made a full recovery and returned to full duty just four months later.
Looking back, K9 Stark has had some very memorable captures. Just a month post-recovery, Corporal Akin and K9 Stark located a suspected car thief after nearly four hours of tracking. Additionally, the pair has successfully tracked multiple attempted-murder suspects. K9 Stark has had multiple “hat-trick” days, logging three captures in one shift, often on separate incidents. Perhaps K9 Stark is best known by the community and his co-workers for his adorable photos in costume, which he often wears while tracking.
When asked about his furry partner, Corporal Akin had this to say: “The dog just loves his job and never quits. That’s why I love him… we are inseparable.”
Congratulations to Corporal Akin and K9 Stark!