Posts Tagged ‘news reporter’

Camp trash dispute turns violent near Dog Mountain

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2016

Updated at 2:21 p.m.

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – An argument over leaving garbage at a Glenoma campsite is what reportedly sparked a stabbing that sent a 40-year-old man to Harborview Medical Center yesterday.

Deputies called just after 5 p.m. to the Dog Patch campground at the base of Dog Mountain found the victim with a stab wound to his abdomen, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

Chief Deputy Stacy Brown said the weapon was a large Rambo-style knife.

The suspect and two companions fled in a white van and were ultimately located on a logging road across from Kosmos Road, Brown said.

Brown said the victim and witnesses said an argument broke out between the occupants of a Ohio license-plated car and the Florida-plated van about the subjects in the two cars leaving the trash behind.

The victim, a 40-year-old from Los Angeles, California, was immediately transported to Morton General Hospital and then airlifted to Seattle, according to Brown. His condition this morning is unknown, as the sheriff’s office last information is from 11 o’clock last night, when he was still in surgery.

The victim said the suspect came at him and stabbed him, Brown said. The suspect said it was self defense, she said.

Theodore D Pojman, 21, from Ocoee, Florida, was arrested for first-degree assault and booked into the Lewis County Jail. Prosecutors are not filing criminal charges today, pending further investigation.

Sirens: Daily police and fire roundup

Monday, August 22nd, 2016
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DRUGS

• A 30-year-old motorist found parked in the middle of the state Route 505 overpass above Interstate 5 at midnight was arrested for a state Department of Corrections warrant and then while being processed at the jail, a tar-like substance wrapped in plastic was located concealed on her person. Cassandra L. Luthi was arrested for possession of heroin and booked into the Lewis County Jail, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

• A 36-year-old Chehalis man detained yesterday afternoon for alleged theft from a business at the 1100 block of Johnson Road in Centralia was subsequently arrested for possession of a controlled substance. An officer found several controlled substances on his person, according to the Centralia Police Department. Jesse J. Hull was booked into the Lewis County Jail.

BREAK-IN CENTRALIA

• Centralia police were called about 9:40 p.m. yesterday for a burglary at the 700 block of South Pearl Street. The victim reported that sometime between the previous afternoon and Sunday morning someone entered his residence and stole three gaming consoles, a laptop, and 32 games, according to the Centralia Police Department.

YARD THEFT CENTRALIA

• Police were called to the 2400 block of Howard Avenue in Centralia about 1:30 p.m. yesterday regarding the theft of a garden shredder from outside a residence.

AUTO THEFT

• Chehalis police were called just before 9 p.m. on Friday about a Honda Accord stolen from the 2100 block of North National Avenue. The car was subsequently found and its owner was able to retrieve it, according to the Chehalis Police Department.

CAR PROWL

• Police were called about 6:15 p.m. yesterday for a vehicle prowl at the 1000 block of Southwest 20th Street. Sometime since noon, someone entered the unlocked vehicle and stole several items, according to the Chehalis Police Department.

• Chehalis police were called yesterday about a vehicle prowl at the 1000 block of Southwest 20th Street. Sometime during the night, someone got inside the unlocked vehicle and stole a purse, according to the Chehalis Police Department.

• Chehalis police were called to the 600 block of Southwest Pacific Avenue on Friday where sometime during the night someone broke the windshield of a truck, got inside and tore apart the dashboard. A stereo was taken, according to the Chehalis Police Department.

ASSAULT

• An officer was called about 6:20 p.m. yesterday to take a report of one juvenile reportedly assaulting another juvenile at Green Hill School in Chehalis. The victim’s injury required stitches and the case is being followed up on, according to the Chehalis Police Department.

• Chehalis police were called jut after 3 p.m. on Saturday to the 300 block of Southwest 16th Street to take a report of an assault. Further details were not readily available.

• An individual went to the Chehalis Police Department on Friday to make a report of indecent liberties committed by an unknown person. The case is referred to detectives for follow up, according to the Chehalis Police Department.

• An individual called police to the  600 block of Southwest Pacific Avenue just before 2:30 p.m. on Friday saying his neighbor threw an apple at him during an argument. The alleged thrower showed up to the police department and statements are being taken, according to the Chehalis Police Department.

AND MORE

• And, as usual, other incidents such as arrests for warrants, third-degree theft, misdemeanor assault, driving under the influence; responses for alarm, dispute, suspicious circumstances, vehicle collision … and more among 158 calls for local law enforcement and / or fire-emergency medical services in the 24-hour period ending about 7 a.m. today.

Sirens: Daily police and fire roundup

Sunday, August 21st, 2016
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PARACHUTER HURT IN TOLEDO

• Firefighters were called about 12:10 p.m. yesterday to Skydive Toledo at the airport off the 5200 block of Jackson Highway for a parachute accident. A male patient with lower leg injuries was transported to Centralia Providence Hospital, according to Lewis County Fire District 2.

THEFT

• Centralia police were called about 9:20 p.m. yesterday regarding a  theft from a business on the 600 block of South Tower Avenue. They are investigating, according to the Centralia Police Department.

• An officer was called to the 700 block of Harrison Avenue at about 12:35 p.m. yesterday to take a report of the theft of money.

AND MORE

• And, as usual, other incidents such as arrests for warrants, probation violation, driving under the influence, driving with suspended license; responses for alarm, dispute, suspicious circumstances, collision on city street … and more among 172 calls for local law enforcement and / or fire-emergency medical services in the 24-hour period ending about 7 a.m. today.

Sirens: Daily police and fire roundup

Saturday, August 20th, 2016
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WELDER GROWS LEGS

• Centralia police were called at 6 p.m. yesterday to the 1100 block of Centralia College Boulevard where a victim reported that sometime over the night unknown persons broke into their detached garage and stole a portable welder.

AUTO THEFT

• Just before 2 p.m. yesterday, Centralia police recovered a stolen Honda from Tumwater at the 300 block of East Pine Street. The driver reported to have purchased it off of Offerup.com, according to the Centralia Police Department. The case is under investigation.

VEHICLE PROWL

• Police were called about 1:30 p.m. yesterday for a car prowl at the 500 block of North Rock Street. The victim reported that someone entered his vehicle during the night and stole documents out of the glove box, according to the Centralia Police Department.

FRAUD

• Centralia police took a report about 8:45 a.m. yesterday from an individual who said someone used her identity to apply for a credit card.

DOMESTIC INCIDENT

• Centralia police arrested a 44-year-old man yesterday in connection with a 7:20 p.m. call associated with the 400 block of South Buckner Street in which he allegedly violated a no contact order by breaking into the victim’s residence.  Dale W. Douglas, of Centralia, was booked into the Lewis County Jail for residential burglary and violating a no contact order after, according to the Centralia Police Department.

INSTANT CAR WASH

• Police were called just after 3 p.m. yesterday to the 600 block of South Tower Avenue where they investigated a one vehicle, non-injury collision in which the driver struck a fire hydrant.

AND MORE

• And, as usual, other incidents such as arrests for warrants, misdemeanor domestic assault, driving under the influence, driving with suspended license; responses for alarm, dispute,  suspicious circumstances … and more among 191 calls for local law enforcement and / or fire-emergency medical services in the 24-hour period ending about 7 a.m. today.

Chehalis: Spooked horse injures several fairgoers

Friday, August 19th, 2016

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – Five people were injured when a horse got spooked and took off running down the midway, pulling an unoccupied carriage, at the Southwest Washington Fair today.

“I don’t have conditions on anyone,” Lewis County Risk Manager Paulette Young said this afternoon.

The vendor with the horse and buggy was at the fair to give rides to people, according to Young.

Four of those hurt were hospitalized, she said. Young said she had limited information.

The individuals involved would have been at or around the food booth area, she said.

The fair which opened on Tuesday is operated by Lewis County.

Ideas to cool off, be safe with 100 degree-plus day ahead

Friday, August 19th, 2016

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – Officials are urging citizens to take care of themselves and their surroundings as temperatures today reach for 100 degrees.

Centralia City Hall will be open to the public from noon until 5 p.m., for any who need a place to stay cool. Water will be provided.

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Knowing folks will be drawn to the water for recreation, the Lewis County Drowning Prevention Coalition is reminding the public that most rivers and lakes can still be very cold below the surface. They urge people to wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets when in, on or around the water.

“Time is also critical so call 911 as soon as you see someone struggling in the water even if people are swimming out to them,” the group stated in a news release. “Victims submerged for more than 10 minutes have a very low rate of survival.”

The city of Chehalis has joined Centralia and Lewis County leaders in banning outdoor recreational fires, because of the fire danger.

Chehalis Fire Chief Ken Cardinale asks residents to please follow the restrictions and use good judgement based on the extreme risk.

In Chehalis as in other locales, outdoor cooking is allowed only using camp stoves with lids, on/off switches and which are fueled by  liquid gas or propane.

Chehalis also continues to allow the use of outdoor fireplaces, as long as they are equipped with an approved spark arrestor on the flue.

“As the Chehalis fire chief, I cannot stress enough the seriousness of the fire danger that presently exists,” Cardinal stated. “The continued dry conditions, very low fuel moistures and dry weather pattern we have been experiencing are contributing to the high fire danger.”

All of Western Washington except the immediate coast is under a red flag warning for fire danger.

The current forecast in Chehalis today is 102 degrees. Those in Toledo can expect 101 degrees; and in Centralia, 100 degrees. Communities in East Lewis County are projected to see temps in the mid-90s.

The National Weather Service expects temperatures to peak today and level off or drop slightly tomorrow, with significant cooling on Sunday.

Centralia Police Department detective Patty Finch and the Lewis County Public Health and Social Services Department suggest the following advice to prevent heat-related illness or injuries.

• Stay in an air-conditioned, indoor location as much as possible.
• Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty; water is best.
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully, and wear lightweight clothing and sunscreen.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
• Never leave children or pets in cars.
• Avoid dressing babies in heavy clothing or wrapping them in warm blankets.
• Check frequently on people who are elderly, ill or may need help. If you might need help, arrange to have family, friends or neighbors check in with you at least twice a day throughout warm weather period.
• Make sure pets have plenty of water.
• At first signs of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps), move to a cooler location, rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool beverage. Seek medical attention immediately if you do not feel better.

Other cooling stations open around the county include:

Lewis County Fire District 6, at 2123 Jackson Highway, Chehalis
Open today from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Open Saturday, August 20 from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Twin Cities Senior Center, at 2545 N. National Ave., Chehalis
Open today until 7 p.m.
Open Saturday, August 20 from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Morton Senior Center, at 103 Westlake Ave., Morton
Open today until 6 pm

Packwood Senior Center, at 12931 U.S. Highway 12, Packwood
Open today until 6 p.m.
Open Saturday, August 20 from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Sirens: Daily police and fire roundup

Friday, August 19th, 2016
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ON THE ROAD, OFF THE ROAD

• Four teens were seriously hurt when a car attempting to “drift” around a curve impacted a dirt embankment, ricocheted back onto the roadway and rolled over yesterday afternoon at the 900 block of state Route 603, west of Chehalis. A deputy responding about 4:40 p.m. noted the injuries included head trauma, multiple broken bones and lacerations. The occupants were all 18 years old, and from Chehalis, Centralia except for driver, who is from Lacey, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office. Chief Deputy Stacy Brown said the driver, Austin L.B. Santos had been traveling above the posted speed limit and was issued a citation for second-degree negligent driving.

• Two people were injured when their pickup truck pulling a travel trailer collided with a guard rail after driving too fast and failing to negotiate a curve on U.S. Highway 12 about six miles west of Morton yesterday. Troopers called about 10:15 a.m. report the passenger, 72-year-old Lonnie Gibson, declined aid, but the driver, 74-year-old Maralee A. Gibson, was transported to Morton General Hospital. She was cited for second-degree negligent driving, according to the Washington State Patrol. Both the trailer and the 2000 GMC 1500 pickup were totaled, according to the state patrol. The couple is from McCleary.

UNKNOWN PROJECTILE STRIKES HOUSE

• Chehalis police were called about 10:40 a.m. yesterday to a home on the 10 block of Southwest First Street following the discovery of what looked like a bullet hole next to the front door of a residence. The officer noted a very small in diameter hole and was unable to determine what the projectile may have been, according to the Chehalis Police Department. The only way to find out would be to dig it out, which the residents hadn’t yet decided upon, according to police.

BURGLARY

• A safe containing two diamond rings, a passport, car titles, deeds and as much as $20,000 cash was stolen from a residence on the 100 block of Chandler Road west of Chehalis sometime between July 15 and yesterday. There is a person of interest, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

CAR PROWL

• Centralia police were called just before 6 p.m. yesterday about a purse being stolen from a vehicle parked at the 1600 block of South Gold Street. Just after 8 p.m., an officer was called to the 700 block of Pioneer Way for the same sort of incident. Shortly afterward a third woman reported her purse was stolen from a vehicle at the 100 block of Pioneer Way, according to the Centralia Police Department.

• Chehalis police were called just before 9 a.m. yesterday to the 10 block of Southwest Cascade Avenue where someone popped the locked canopy of a truck and stole a 12,000 BTU air conditioner.

AND MORE

• And, as usual, other incidents such as arrests for warrants, driving with suspended license; responses for alarm, dispute, hit and run, harassment, third-degree theft, suspicious circumstances, collision on city street … and more among 163 calls for local law enforcement and / or fire-emergency medical services in the 24-hour period ending about 7 a.m. today.