June 14, 2018 – During enhanced patrols in the month of May, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 73 impaired drivers. That equates to an average of over two DUII arrests each day. Eleven of those drivers were arrested for drug impairment and two were for felony-level crimes. Deputies would like to remind the public that impaired driving is a one hundred percent preventable offense, and to always plan a sober ride.

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Deputies Conducting Enhanced Impaired Driving Patrols in May

The Washington County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), and Oregon State Sheriff's Association (OSSA), will be conducting high visibility enforcement patrols looking for impaired drivers during the entire month of May.

According to NHTSA, 37,461 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2016, and 28 percent (10,497) of those fatalities were in crashes during which a driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit of .08.

On average, a driving under the influence arrest costs $10,000 in attorney fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, car towing and repairs, and more.

There are many other ways to ensure a safe ride home besides relying on a friend. The options include using public transportation, calling a taxi, or using a rideshare program such as Uber or Lyft. In addition, NHTSA’s SaferRide Mobile App, available in the app store, is another resource to help those who have been drinking find a sober ride home—by identifying their location and helping to call a taxi or a friend to pick them up.

Please do your part in keeping our roadways safe and help keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel. If you plan on drinking or consuming drugs, designate your sober driver. And remember: Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.

The results of the May enhanced impaired driving patrols will be posted in early June.

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The following is a joint release from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsboro Police Department, Lake Oswego Police Department, Oregon State Police, Portland Police Bureau, Vancouver Police Department, and Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

June 7, 2018 – On Wednesday, June 6, 2018, seven local law enforcement agencies from across the Portland metro area conducted a joint mission to proactively combat human trafficking in the region, resulting in 37 individuals being charged for prostitution-related crimes.

The missions were conducted at four participating hotels and done in collaboration with regional law enforcement, criminal prosecutors, and community-based partners. The operation focused on coordinated efforts to break a link in the chain of human trafficking by enforcing state and federal laws, and developing intelligence on trafficking victims throughout the Portland metro area.

During the mission, undercover investigators communicated online with individuals seeking sexual acts in exchange for money. Investigators scheduled the encounters at area hotels and took suspects into custody when they arrived and attempted to engage in prostitution solicitation.

Participating law enforcement agencies were the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsboro Police Department, Lake Oswego Police Department, Oregon State Police, Portland Police Bureau, Vancouver Police Department, and Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

The involved agencies wish to thank the local hotels who provided resources and assistance during this operation. For the integrity of future missions, agencies are requesting the locations not be released.

Kaylee Hathaway

June 1, 2018 – Deputies arrested a man and woman after a pursuit with a stolen car.  The man driving was wearing a wig in a failed attempt to disguise himself and tried to flee on foot before a K9 chased him down and deputies tased him.  Deputies arrested the woman in the car as well.

On Friday, June 1, 2018, at 12:48 a.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies saw a man driving a stolen 2016 Honda Civic near Baseline Road. and SW 185th Avenue in the community of Aloha.  When deputies tried to stop the car, the driver took off reaching speeds of 90 miles per hour.  Deputies, including two K9 units, pursued the car for 11 miles and were successfully able to use spike strips but the driver continued.  Deputies attempted to use a controlled PIT (pursuit intervention technique) maneuver to stop the car.  The driver rammed a police car and eventually ended up partially off the road near the 19600 block of SW Tile Flat Road.

As the car rolled to a stop, a man wearing a wig for disguise jumped out and ran.  Despite the wig, deputies immediately recognized him as 41-year-old Kimo Utuutuvanu of Aloha.  K9 Stark chased down Mr. Utuutuvanu who tried to kick and punch the dog.  K9 Stark bit Mr. Utuutuvanu who was also tased by deputies and then arrested. 

After receiving medical care, deputies took Mr. Utuutuvanu to jail for the following charges: unlawful use of a motor vehicle, felony attempt to elude, misdemeanor attempt to elude, reckless driving, recklessly endangering another person, misdemeanor driving while suspended, resisting arrest, attempted assault on a law enforcement animal, possession of heroin, and forgery.  The Beaverton Police Department also charged Mr. Utuutuvanu with felony attempt to elude for a separate pursuit in May 2018.  Mr. Utuutuvanu also had a felony warrant from a second prior pursuit and a felony warrant for a state parole violation.  The attached booking photo is from a May 2018 arrest.

29-year-old Kaylee Hathaway of Forest Grove was the only passenger in the car.  Deputies arrested Ms. Hathaway for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.  She also had three warrants: two for failure to appear on theft in the second degree and one for a probation violation.

June 1, 2018 – During a two-week statewide traffic safety enforcement mission, members from the Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Unit conducted 504 traffic stops. Of those stops, 350 citations were issued, 150 warnings given, and four stops cleared “other.”

Below is a breakdown of the top five offenses that were cited during the enforcement mission:

1. Using an electronic device while driving
2. Violation of the basic rule (21-30 mph)
3. Failure to use a seat belt
4. Violation of the basic rule (11-20 mph)
5. Exceeding speed limit (11-20 mph)

Deputies would like to remind the public to slow down, avoid distractions, and drive courteously.

The original media release is below.

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Deputies Conducting Enhanced Seat Belt Patrols in May

May 16, 2018 – The Washington County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), will be conducting enhanced patrols in May as part of the two-week statewide “Seat Belt Blitz” campaign.

Between the dates of May 14 and May 27, extra deputies will be on the roadways looking for vehicle occupants not wearing, or improperly using seat belts. They will also be checking for proper child safety seat use.

This campaign corresponds with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign, which runs between May 22 and June 4. According to the NHTSA, motor vehicle crashes are still the leading cause of death or disability in children from two to fourteen years of age. This number is due in large part to non-use, or improper use of seat belts and child safety seats. Proper seat belt and child restraint use is the number one way to prevent injury or death if you or your children are involved in a crash.

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 proper child safety seat use and local car seat clinics 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:

www.co.washington.or.us/sheriff/fightingcrime/patrols/traffic-safety-unit.cfm

May 31, 2018 – Between Friday, May 25 and Monday, May 28, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 18 impaired drivers. Deputies would like to remind the public that impaired driving is a preventable offense and to always designate a sober driver.

In partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), deputies will continue to provide enhanced impaired driving patrols during the month of June.

The original media release is below.

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Deputies Conducting Enhanced Patrols Over Memorial Day Weekend

May 24, 2018 – Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will be providing extra patrols on the road to enhance safety over Memorial Day weekend.

In addition to extra patrols over the holiday weekend focused on impaired driving, deputies will also be looking for drivers that are speeding, following too closely, and distracted drivers using mobile communication devices. The results of the enhanced patrol will be provided after the holiday weekend.

During holiday weekends, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies respond to numerous traffic-related incidents that could have been avoided. Deputies are reminding the public to designate a sober driver, slow down, avoid distractions, and allow adequate following distances. 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office would like everyone to have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend. 

Please remember to be safe and considerate while enjoying the holiday.

May 27, 2018 – Deputies need the public’s help as they investigate an animal cruelty case where a cat was intentionally killed and dismembered.

On Sunday, May 28, 2018 at 12:32 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 2900 block of NW 178th Avenue in the community of Rock Creek on an animal abuse complaint.

A citizen reported finding a decapitated and dismembered cat in his front yard. The investigation revealed that a domestic cat was intentionally killed and dismembered. Deputies were able to rule out another animal predator. The owner of the cat was identified and notified.

There are no photos to release.

At this time, there is no suspect information. If you have any information about this case, please contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 503-629-0111.

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The cat’s owner is willing to speak with members of the media. Interested outlets should call the PIO number for his contact information.

May 24, 2018 – Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will be providing extra patrols on the road to enhance safety over Memorial Day weekend.

In addition to extra patrols over the holiday weekend focused on impaired driving, deputies will also be looking for drivers that are speeding, following too closely, and distracted drivers using mobile communication devices. The results of the enhanced patrol will be provided after the holiday weekend.

During holiday weekends, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies respond to numerous traffic-related incidents that could have been avoided. Deputies are reminding the public to designate a sober driver, slow down, avoid distractions, and allow adequate following distances. 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office would like everyone to have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend. 

Please remember to be safe and considerate while enjoying the holiday.