Updated at 4:06 p.m.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
Centralia police called early this morning to a report of a body lying on the side of a Centralia street are just now wrapping up their scene investigation.
Officers responded about 6:20 a.m. to the 100 block of East Third Street, just off North Tower Avenue, according to Officer John Panco.
The preliminary investigation concluded he did not die from natural causes, Panco said.
There were signs of some trauma to the body. It’s a suspicious death, he said.
“I know detectives are doing the best they can, everybody wants to find out what happened,” Panco said.
The man appears to be older than 60, and is believed to be a person who lives in the vicinity, according to Panco.
“We have an idea, but I’m unaware if it’s been confirmed,” he said.
The coroner took custody of the body for further examination at their office.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
“Last I checked, Sgt Panko had Lutenant bars on…I think he got promoded. ” well I just saw Panco Sunday night at an accident and he is still an officer. No stripes, bars or stars. But you are correct, he is a good guy. As for the cretin who commented on Detective Butcher, you should be so lucky, I have heard from none other than two deputy prosecutors that the guy is a pit bull. He just put a guy away for child rape, and the guy pled out to 90 months in prison. They couldn’t say enough nice things about him. I’ll gladly take their opinion over yours any day of the week. Btw… There are no “homicide” detectives in any agency in Lewis Co. All detectives work all types of cases. Some specialize in sex crimes, but all of them work all homicides.
Jump to conclusions much guys????
Last I checked, Sgt Panko had Lutenant bars on…I think he got promoded. I agree with you Troy about Panko since hes a good man and been there for me a time or two and knows how to figure this kinda shit out. im glad hes leading the charge on this one! He was the ditective that put my neighbor away for murder and hes the best their is!
Why is it always the cops that get the bad end of the deal. They are just like everyone else in the world. They can only be in one place at a time. There is a lot going on out there and maybe they was either going to another call at the time or just getting off of another call at the time. Maybe a shift change at the time. I know we have a few cops out there but they can only do so much and they can not be on every street all day long. There is a lot of miles of road to protect and people to watch. I am sure if they know a 60 year old man was going to be hurt or killed they would have been there to not let it happen. Maybe you should have been out walking 3rd street at that time of the morning. Thanks Centralia Police for your help in keeping Centralia Safe as you can.
It’s sad to think that someone would do that to an elderly person regardless of what was happening. It sucks if you have to live in that neighborhood or near by. It’s a shame people have to be so creepy! everyone needs a decent place to live even those who live in the rougher areas of town. It’s time we take our streets back. Police do your job and patrol our neighborhoods better!
Troy I Agree. My Fear is their new homicide detective Butcher. If he is in charge you might never solve the case. In past police officer cases he can’t comprehend much.
If Sgt. John Panko (not officer) is involved in this case you will find out the truth of what happened.
Keep me posted plz.