Pedestrian Deceased In A Hit And Run Incident Identified - 12/02/25

On Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 6:13 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies and officers from the Hillsboro Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a pedestrian who had been hit by a vehicle near the 4500 block of SW Minter Bridge Road.

Medical personnel responding to the location pronounced the pedestrian, identified as 72-year-old Jerry Bonar of Hillsboro, deceased. Bonar was last seen walking along Minter Bridge Road around 6:00 p.m. by another witness, shortly before he was found.

The family has been notified of his death and has requested privacy at this time.

Investigators believe Mr. Bonar was walking along the road when he was hit by a vehicle. The driver of that vehicle left the scene and has not been identified yet. The Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART) responded to assist with the investigation and is seeking information from anyone who witnessed the incident or has information but has not spoken to investigators.

Anyone with information is asked to call non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 and reference case number 50-25-16750. 

Sex Abuse Suspect, Wanted Since 2018, Arrested In New York - 11/25/25

In April 2017, detectives with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit began an investigation into Patrick Robert Shea O’Connor after receiving a report of sexual abuse involving a child. During the investigation, detectives learned that the abuse occurred in multiple places throughout Oregon, as well as in Seattle, where O’Connor was living. Seattle Police also began an investigation into O’Connor for abuse that occurred in their jurisdiction.

In January 2018, a Washington County grand jury indicted O’Connor on the following charges:

• Using a child in display of sexually explicit conduct (4 counts)
• Sexual abuse in the first degree (3 counts)
• Luring a minor (5 counts)
• Attempted sodomy in the first degree (4 counts)

At the time of his indictment, investigators believed that O’Connor fled the country. Detectives worked with federal partners to locate O’Connor but were unsuccessful. In November 2025, investigators received information that O’Connor was living in Syracuse, New York. The United States Marshal Service (USMS) coordinated with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, and O’Connor was arrested in Syracuse on November 20, 2025. 

Search And Rescue Locates Lost Mushroom Picker (Photo) - 11/25/25

On Sunday, November 23, 2025, at just before 3:00 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 text to dispatch for a distressed mushroom picker in a remote area of Washington County near the Barney Reservoir.

Deputies learned that a 72-year-old woman was out collecting seasonal chanterelle mushrooms when she entered an area from which she was unable to get out due to slick terrain and a steep incline. Deputies from both the Washington and Yamhill County Sheriff’s Offices responded to aid in locating the woman.

Initial search efforts were unsuccessful, and additional resources were called to assist, including Search and Rescue (SAR) teams from Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia Counties, along with Hillsboro and the Oregon State Police. Searchers also deployed drones and a K9.

Several hours into the search, the woman was located by using GPS coordinates from the drone and ground searchers. The woman used a whistle she had brought with her to help guide the search teams to her location. SAR used a rope system to reach her and assist her in getting back out.

Aside from being cold, wet, and thirsty, the woman did not report any injuries.

The Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the collaborative efforts of all the responders and thankful that the woman was safely located. If you choose to adventure into natural areas, remember to dress for the weather, bring a whistle, food, water, and tell others where you are going. In this instance, preparation contributed to a positive outcome. 

Tenth Annual Cornelius Community Dinner (Photo) - 11/24/25

On Saturday, November 22, 2025, the City of Cornelius, in partnership with the Washington County Sheriff's Office, hosted the 10th Annual Cornelius Community Dinner. Partners were delighted to serve a free holiday meal to all community members in attendance.

The event, held at Cornelius Elementary School, provided over 400 meals featuring turkey, dinner rolls, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, dessert, and beverages.

The opportunity to share a meal and engage in conversation with fellow community members makes the Cornelius Community Dinner a truly special event that many look forward to each year. This cherished annual event not only strengthens community bonds but also spreads holiday cheer during this season of giving.

“The tradition of the Cornelius Community Dinner was first started by former Police Chief Gene Moss. Gene believed Cornelius needed a place where everyone could gather and be welcomed. This week carried a lot of uncertainty in our community, and we weren’t sure how many families would feel comfortable joining us. But Cornelius showed its heart. Moments like this remind us that circumstances don’t define community; it’s defined by how we show up for one another,” said Cornelius Police Chief Mitch Coley.

This dinner was made possible through generous donations, volunteer efforts, and the collaboration of local community partners, including:

• Bimbo Bakeries USA                                               
• Boro Burger Food Truck
• Botten's Equipment and Event Rental
• Bunny Girt - State Farm Insurance
• Cornelius Booster Club
• Cornelius Elementary School
• Cornelius Public Library
• Evergreen Disposal and Recycling, Inc.
• Forest Grove and Cornelius Chamber of Commerce
• Fred Meyer
• Reser's Fine Foods
• Sheriff's Office Foundation of Washington County
• Sodexo
• Starbucks
• Walmart
• Washington County Police Officers Association
• Western Washington County Firefighters'