Archive for November, 2015

Law enforcement: ‘Credible report’ the missing Kayla Croft-Payne died in Cowlitz County

Tuesday, November 17th, 2015

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – Detectives recently traveled to Oregon, in search of the body of Kayla Croft-Payne, the Lewis County teen who vanished five and half years ago.

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Kayla Croft-Payne

The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office has been investigating since the beginning, but several weeks ago, after getting new information, the case was turned over to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office.

Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office Chief Criminal Deputy Charlie Rosenzweig said he feels like the case has progressed from where it stood six months ago.

“We have had some good leads,” Rosenzweig said yesterday.

Detectives feel like they know now where it was Kayla Croft-Payne died, and they think it was in Cowlitz County, Rosenzweig said.

That’s the reason his detectives have taken it over, he said.

“We believe the information she died in our jurisdiction is a credible report,” he said.

Croft-Payne was 18 year old in May 2010 when she was reported missing by a friend. She was described as jobless and transient, but lived in rural Chehalis.

Her roommate at the time has said they were together the night she went missing, and another friend came to pick Croft-Payne up from their friend’s in Onalaska.

Early in the investigation, the sheriff’s office said the last place they could verify her spending time was a trailer park in the Toutle area. They had a cadaver dog search around a river in the Toutle area that summer, without success.

Rosenzweig said that in the next couple of weeks, he and his people plan to share more information about what they’ve been doing.

He wasn’t prepared to say specifically where in Oregon they hunted for her body, or specifically where they think Croft-Payne died, although he said it was in the northern portion of the county.

“Honestly, we’re hoping to spur some interest,” he said.

He did ask that anyone who has not yet talked to police, but has any information, to please phone detective Brad Thurman at 360-577-3092.
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For background, read “Kayla Croft-Payne: Missing Lewis County teen’s parents still seeking answers” from Friday March 25, 2011, here

Sirens: Daily police and fire roundup

Tuesday, November 17th, 2015
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ATTEMPTED BURGLARY AT PORT

• A deputy responding to an alarm just before 10 p.m. yesterday from a storage building at the 3500 block of Ives Road in Centralia found someone damaged a padlock, got inside but had already fled the premises. The victim is the Port of Centralia and nothing appeared to be missing, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

VEHICLE THEFT

• Someone stole a beige 1984 Toyota van overnight from Northeast Division Street in  Chehalis, according to a report made to police yesterday morning.

• Police called yesterday afternoon about a pickup truck blocking a driveway since Thursday on the 600 block of M Street in Centralia discovered it was stolen from a farm in Rochester, according to the Centralia Police Department. It was returned to is owner, according to police.

FRAUD

• Chehalis police were contacted yesterday by a 26-year-old woman who is in prison and learned that after she left her purse with an individual last year, someone used her EBT card, stealing quite a lot of money. Police are looking into it, according to the Chehalis Police Department.

• Officers took a report yesterday morning of someone attempting to pass two prescriptions that appeared to be forged at a pharmacy on the 500 block of South Tower Avenue in Centralia. The suspect, Krista M. Peterson, 30, was subsequently arrested for prescription forgery, according to the Centralia Police Department.

VEHICLE PROWL

• Chehalis police were called about 9:20 a.m. yesterday to Southwest Chehalis Avenue just south of Main Street about a ca prowl and found four vehicles at a business had been broken into.

VANDALISM

• Centralia police were called about 6:25 p.m. yesterday after a cup of ice was thrown from a moving vehicle which hit another vehicle on the road and broke its headlight near Eshom and Fords Prairie roads. The case is under investigation, according to the Centralia Police Department.

• Chehalis police took a report yesterday of white spray painted graffiti on a fence at Southwest Chehalis Avenue just south of Main Street. Later in the day, officers were called about tagging at the the 100 block of North Market Boulevard, according to the Chehalis Police Department.

AND FROM MOSSYROCK

• Morton police yesterday reported they forwarded cases for several individuals to prosecutors to review for “appropriate charges” following a late Tuesday night call last week to a loud party at the 100 block of Coleman Road in Mossyrock from which more than two dozen juveniles ran away. Police say they were able to get the youths to come back into the residence for investigation. An unspecified number of them were released to their parents, according to the Morton Police Department.

AND MORE

• And as usual, other incidents such as arrests for warrants, shoplifting, driving with suspended license; responses for alarm, misdemeanor assault, suspicious circumstances,  runaway teen … and more.

Tacoma murder suspect arrested in Centralia

Tuesday, November 17th, 2015

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

Acting on an anonymous tip, Centralia police yesterday arrested a 22-year-old man wanted on a first-degree murder warrant related to the death of an 18-year-old in Tacoma earlier this month.

Several officers at about 1:30 p.m. conducted a building search at a business on the 500 block of North Tower Avenue and found Alberto Cole Sarmiento hiding under some stairs, according to the Centralia Police Department.

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Alberto Colt-Sarmiento

He was taken into custody at gunpoint, but without incident, Officer Angie Humphrey said.

The suspect, identified as Alberto “Taxer” Colt-Sarmiento by Tacoma police, is believed to have set up an ambush the night of Nov. 2, near 44th Street and East R Street in the Salishan neighborhood of east Tacoma.

According to Tacoma-Pierce County Crime Stoppers, as the victim and his two friends exited their vehicle, an unidentified shooter jumped out of the bushes and fired multiple shots toward them. Victim Elijah Crawford was struck once and died from his wounds; the second victim was struck in the shoulder and face and survived; the third friend ran away without being hit.

Crime Stoppers reported one of the surviving victims had an ongoing dispute with Colt-Sarmiento, and that detectives believe Colt-Sarmiento set up the ambush but was not the shooter.

Centralia police yesterday further assisted the Tacoma Police Department yesterday by recovering evidence related to the homicide.

Humphrey said she didn’t know what that evidence was but did say no gun was found on the suspect yesterday.

She said she understood Colt-Sarmiento has a relative at the bakery where he was hiding.

Colt-Sarmiento was turned over to Tacoma police after his arrest.

Feds: Winlock mill owner admits illegal buying and selling of specialty maple “music wood”

Monday, November 16th, 2015

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – A Winlock lumber mill owner pleaded guilty today to federal violations for trafficking in specialty wood cut on national forest land.

In his plea agreement, Harold Clause Kupers, admitted he suspected the big leaf maple had been illegally taken from the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, but purchased it and made sales out-of-state of nearly $500,000, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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Courtesy photo by U.S. Attorney’s Office

The so-called figured maple is particularly valuable for making  musical instruments and, for example, just one shipment to PRS Guitars in Maryland from Kupers’ J & L Tonewoods sold for $21,395, according to authorities.

Kupers, 48, made his pleas for violations of the Lacey Act,  in U.S. District Court in Tacoma today, according to the  announcement from U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes.

According to the plea agreement, in April 2012, law enforcement officers with the U.S. Forest Service met with him and specifically informed him that he was required by Washington law to review specialized forest products permits for all persons from whom he purchased maple, Hayes stated in a news release.

Despite that, he admitted, he continued to buy the wood without requiring the harvesters to show the permit until March 2014.

Kupers faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least $159,000 in restitution when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle on February 8.

Three men suspected of harvesting the wood were charged with theft of government property and damaging government property.

Ryan Justice, 28, of Randle, has pleaded guilty to theft of government property and is scheduled for sentencing on December 7.

James Miller, 36, of Morton, and Kevin Mullins, 56, of Packwood, are scheduled for trial on January 12.
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For background, read “Feds: Tree thieves and mill owner indicted for trafficking specialty maple from Gifford Pinchot” from Friday August 7, 2015, here

Sirens: Daily police and fire roundup

Monday, November 16th, 2015
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Updated

INTO THE DRINK

• A 27-year-old motorist who allegedly sped away at about 100 mph from a police car that was turning around ended up taking out about 50 feet of guard rail and crashing into a pond last night at the 4700 block of Galvin Road west of Centralia. Luckily his 1998 Dodge Durango landed wheels down and he was able to extricate himself and climb out of the water and up to he road, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office. It began when a Centralia police officer said the vehicle had passed him at a high rate of speed on Galvin Road, according to the sheriff’s office. A deputy arriving to investigate the approximately 9:40 p.m. wreck issued Jonathan A. Jamerson, of Centralia, a citation for reckless driving and an infraction for no insurance, Chief Deputy Stacy Brown said. Jamerson was wet and cold but unhurt, Brown said. His vehicle was totaled.

AUTO THEFT

• A 21-year-old Onalaska resident was arrested after deputies surrounded Eagle Truck Stop on the 100 block of Estep Road in Napavine on Saturday, following a tip he was going to try to sell a stolen Honda car there. The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office reports Jim G. McPherson showed up with the car and was taken into custody. He reportedly admitted he’d stolen the green 1995 Honda Accord a few days earlier from F Street in Centralia and planned to sell it for $150. McPherson was booked into the Lewis County Jail for possession of a stolen vehicle and attempted trafficking of a stolen vehicle, Chief Deputy Stacy Brown said.

• Someone stole a silver 1988 Toyota Camry from the 1000 block of Eckerson Road in Centralia, according to a report made to police just after 7 p.m. yesterday.

BURGLARY

• Centralia police were called to the 1100 block of South Tower Avenue at 1 p.m. yesterday regarding a break-in to a garage in which several bikes and bike parts were taken. Most of the items were recovered a short distance away, according to the Centralia Police Department. The investigation is ongoing.

VEHICLE PROWL

• Police were called about 7:50 p.m. on Saturday about a car prowl at the 300 block of Spruce Street in Centralia. The interior was damaged, according to the Centralia Police Department.

• Chehalis police were called about 9:30 a.m. on Friday regarding a vehicle prowl on the 400 block of North Market Boulevard in which the battery was stolen.

SEXAUL ASSAULT

• Centralia police were called about 11:20 p.m. yesterday to take a report of a rape by the victim’s acquaintance in a case associated with a residence on Hillkress Street. The case is under investigation.

OTHER ASSAULT

• Officers called about 6:45 p.m. on Saturday to the 300 block of East State Street in Mossyrock about an assault arrested a 26-year-old man. Anthony M. Westmoreland was booked into the Lewis County Jail for second-degree assault, according to the Morton Police Department.

• A 24-year-old Chehalis-area woman who called 911 to say her boyfriend hit her in the head reportedly resisted arrest, was tased and subsequently arrested for third-degree assault on Saturday morning. A deputy called about 11:50 a.m. to the 100 block of Harold Drive reported Kimberly E. Killian became angry and began to walk away, during the investigation, but had two outstanding warrants, according to the according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office. Killian allegedly pulled away, began to grab the deputy’s arm and tried to strike him in the head and chest area. The first attempt with a Taser failed and Killian was “escorted to the ground,” where she pulled on the deputy’s uniform, Chief Deputy Stacy Brown said. A second deputy arrived and attempted to help detain her, but was unsuccessful until she was tased a second time, Brown said. Killian was booked into the Lewis County Jail for third-degree assault as one of the deputies was injured, and also for resisting arrest, Brown said.

VANDALISM

• Officers called just after 3 o’clock yesterday morning about a vandalism in progress at the 200 block of East Van Buren Street in Centralia arrived to find a woman’s vehicle with its windshield and headlights broken. Parked in front of the vehicle was her husband, Andrew J. Filer, 26, who allegedly admitted causing the damage because he was angry at her, according to the Centralia Police Department. Filer was booked into the Lewis County Jail for second-degree malicious mischief, according to police.

EXPLOSIVE EXPERTS SUMMONED

• A 91-year-old former logger called the sheriff’s office to let them know as he was packing up to move out of his Toledo-area home, he discovered he had an old box of blasting caps, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded on Saturday morning to the 300 block of Toledo-Vader Road, and were joined by the Washington State Patrol, who disposed of the caps on site, according to the sheriff’s office. The box contained about 50 blasting caps, Chief Deputy Stacy Brown said.

AND MORE

• And as usual, other incidents such as arrests for warrants, shoplifting, misdemeanor assault, protection order violation, failure to transfer vehicle title, driving under the influence, driving with suspended license; responses for alarm, dispute, graffiti, harassment, suspicious person, misdemeanor theft, possible drunk driver … and more.

News brief: Driver rescued from nearly submerged vehicle by Glenoma resident

Monday, November 16th, 2015
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Water still covers the roadway on Sunday at state Route 131 just south of Randle. / Courtesy photo by Laci McEachin

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

A 75-year-old woman was pulled from her water-filled car by another motorist after she drove around a road closed sign in Randle on Saturday night.

The Glenoma man likely saved the woman from drowning, the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office said this morning.

The woman was headed northbound on Forest Service Road 25 when she encountered the roadway covered with water approaching state Route 131 near Skinner Road, Chief Deputy Stacy Brown said this morning.

The Vancouver woman went around the warning sign and her Toyota Scion went off the road and became partially submerged, Brown said.

It was about 9:30 p.m. when a vehicle coming up the 25 road behind her saw what happened and the 25-year-old Glenoma man jumped into the water. He was able to drag her out of her car to safety, Brown said.

The passenger compartment by then was nearly filled, according to Brown.

The victim was transported to the hospital for evaluation.

The Randle area was among those that experienced what weather forecasters described as minor flooding this weekend, and another rain storm could serve up even higher waters in the next few days.

News brief: Wind, rain storm on the horizon

Monday, November 16th, 2015
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The Lincoln Creek Road area northwest of Centralia sees some sun on Sunday. / Courtesy photo by Sandi Spencer

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – A new flood watch has been issued for late tonight through late Wednesday night, with a warm wet weather system headed into the area.

The National Weather Service also says prepare for a windstorm tomorrow.

This storm could bring heavy rain to the Cascade and Olympic mountains for up to 36 hours with a snow level rising to as high as 7000 feet, according to the weather service. Rainfall amounts of five to eight inches with locally higher amounts are expected.

Because of the recent and ongoing flooding, rivers are not likely to have receded to normal levels before this storm hits, forecasters said. Some rivers could rise to higher levels than they have in recent days.

Minor flooding has been occurring along the Chehalis River near Grand Mound since yesterday, according to the NWS.

The threat of landslides will increase as well.

Additionally, a winter storm warning remains in effect for East Lewis County with accumulations of one to two feet of new snow likely by late tonight in the mountain passes, before turning to rain.

A flood watch means conditions are favorable for flooding but
flooding is not imminent or occurring. The NWS advises the public to monitor their latest forecasts and be ready to act quickly if flooding is observed or a warning is issued
•••

Follow the forecasts and watch for weather advisories and warnings:

The link for the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Seattle can be found here and also always on the right hand column of this page, labeled “Weather Alerts, forecasts”

The link for the National Weather Service’s river level observation and forecast for Western Washington can be found here and also  always on the right hand column of this page, labeled “River levels”