Posts Tagged ‘news reporter’

Sirens: Daily police and fire roundup

Friday, October 13th, 2017
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•••

CAR PROWL

• Centralia police took a report from the 200 block of West Hanson Street yesterday that sometime during the night someone broke into a vehicle and stole a wallet and the gear shift knob.

• Two dollars worth of change was stolen from a vehicle at the 1000 block of West Walnut Street in Centralia, according to a report made to police about 8:40 a.m. yesterday.

• Police were called for a vehicle prowl at the 1800 block of Westside Court in Centralia just before 8:30 a.m. yesterday. Taken was $30 in change and a garage door opener, according to the Centralia Police Department.

• Centralia police were called about 8:30 a.m. yesterday for an attempted vehicle prowl at the 800 block of West Plum Street. The car’s alarm system scared the suspect away, according to the Centralia Police Department.

FRAUD

• An officer was called just before 2 p.m. yesterday to the 100 block of South Tower Avenue in Centralia where an individual reported a customer purchased jewelry with a credit card the customer was not authorized to use. This case is under investigation, according to the Centralia Police Department.

DRUGS

• A 52-year-old woman detained for alleged shoplifting at the 1700 block of Northwest Louisiana Avenue about 12:25 p.m. yesterday was also arrested for possession of a controlled substance when a plastic bag with a white crystal substance she had tested positive for methamphetamine, according to the Chehalis Police Department. Wendy L. Payne, of Centralia, was booked into the Lewis County Jail, according to police.

• A 36-year-old Olympia man was arrested yesterday after allegedly attempting to steal a computer from the 1600 block of Northwest Louisiana Avenue and then also being found with suspected methamphetamine on him. Police called about 11:50 a.m. located a suspect across the street. Steven V. Morgan, from Olympia, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and also for retail theft with special circumstances, according to the Chehalis Police Department. It was believed he used a key that bypassed a retail security device, according to police. He was booked into the Lewis County Jail.

HEAVY SHOPLIFTING

• A 38-year-old man from Kent was arrested after he allegedly tried to leave a retail store with a cart-full of more than $2,000 worth of merchandise yesterday. Officers called about 4:50 p.m. to the 1700 block of Northwest Louisiana Avenue were told he abandoned the cart and got into a vehicle. Police contacted a suspect as the vehicle was driving away and arrested Andy Kim for second-degree theft and for second-degree burglary, according to the Chehalis Police Department. Kim was booked into the Lewis County Jail.

AND MORE

• And, as usual, other incidents such as arrests for driving under the influence, driving with suspended license, misdemeanor domestic assault; responses for alarm, dispute, civil issue, vandalism, trespass, vehicle collision, misdemeanor theft, suspicious circumstances … and more among 135 calls for local law enforcement and / or fire-emergency medical services in the 24-hour period ending about 7 a.m.

News brief: Chehalis resident unhurt in deadly Wapato crash

Friday, October 13th, 2017

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS –  A 23-year-old Chehalis man survived reportedly uninjured a two-vehicle wreck this morning that left the other driver dead in Yakima County.

Sean M. Teeter, 23, of Chehalis, was traveling southbound on state Route 97 in a GMC Sierra pickup when an oncoming Jeep turned left and they collided, according to the Washington State Patrol.

The pickup struck the 1995 Jeep Cherokee in the intersection, ejecting its driver, according to the state patrol.

Troopers called to the scene on state Route 97 at Jones Road just north of Wapato at 6:25 a.m. report the injured driver, 23-year-old Julio Gonzalez of Wapato, was transported to Regional Medical Center and died.

Both vehicles were totaled.

Teeter’s passenger, 48-year-old Steven L. Saunders, also of Wapato, was injured and transported to Virginia Mason Memorial Hospital, according to the patrol.

Teeter and Saunders had been wearing seat belts, but Gonzalez was not, the investigating trooper reports.

The crash was blamed on failure to yield the right of way and no charges are expected.

Vader barn emptied of illegal marijuana grow operation

Friday, October 13th, 2017

Updated at 4:42 p.m.

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS –  Law enforcement searching a huge barn in Vader converted into separate growing rooms found a 55-year-old man inside a makeshift bedroom and seized more than 600 marijuana plants along with approximately 50 pounds of “processed bud.”

Jing Ming Gao, 55, from Brooklyn, New York, was arrested, according to drug detectives.

The search warrant operation took place on the 1900 block of state Route 506 west of Vader on Wednesday, according to a press release issued by Lewis County’s Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team.

The bust is part of an ongoing investigation that began in December involving illegal large-scale indoor marijuana growing operations throughout Lewis County. Search warrants have been served at five different locations and hundreds of pounds of marijuana and about 6,000 plants have been confiscated, according to JNET.

“Aiding in these investigations has been the communication and networking with law enforcement agencies from New York and the East Coast,” JNET stated.

The task force previously said it believed all the marijuana from this investigation is shipped to the East Coast.

Detectives found the 4,200 square-foot barn in Vader had been converted into several separate rooms for growing the plants.

The almost nine-acre property was sold in August of last year for $80,000 to an individual with an address in Pennsylvania, according to Lewis County parcel records.

Gao was released from the Lewis County Jail yesterday as no criminal charges were filed. While his age was given as 55, JNET’s press release shows a birthdate for Gao which would make him 62 years old.

Lewis County Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer said today they didn’t have any proof Gao was involved in the actual growing of the plants.

JNET states that additional suspects have been identified in their investigation and warrants will be requested for their arrests.

It was just two weeks earlier when JNET found more than 2,000 marijuana plants growing at two rural Chehalis properties – on Centralia-Alpha Road and Pattee Road – and arrested two men.

The drug detectives ask that anyone who has information that would assist during the ongoing investigation to please contact them at 360-330-7680, or 360-748-9286 or Crime Stoppers South Sound at www.P3TIPS.com

Coroner confirms murder, suicide in Winlock

Thursday, October 12th, 2017

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – Authorities have released the names of the two men fatally shot in a murder, suicide in Winlock but still have offered no explanation for why it might have occurred.

Jeffry C. Wachter, age 59, of Malone, allegedly used a handgun to shoot his 56-year-old brother multiple times and then turned the gun on himself.

Paul Wachter, 56, of Winlock, died of gunshot wounds to his torso, head and left arm, according to the Lewis County Coroner’s Office.

It happened on Sunday evening at property at the 600 block of Tennessee Road north of town.

Deputies and aid had been at the address that afternoon, rescuing the men’s older sister who had fallen into a well. The older brother had been asked to leave because he was arguing with his younger brother and being disruptive, the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office has said.

She was finally hoisted to the surface just before 5:30 p.m. and taken to the hospital; and crews had departed when Jeffry Wachter returned with a gun, according to the sheriff’s office. Law enforcement was notified about 6:30 p.m. that he’d shot his brother and then himself.

The Lewis County Coroner’s Office issued a press release today revealing the names and stating the coroner confirmed both men died of gunshot wounds and labeled the older brother’s death as suicide and the younger brother’s as homicide.
•••

For background, read “Two dead after family dispute in Winlock” from Monday October 9, 2017, here

Sirens: Daily police and fire roundup

Thursday, October 12th, 2017
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•••

Updated at 3:01 p.m.

DRUGS

• An inmate at the Lewis County Jail allegedly in possession of prescription medication was arrested for a violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act early this morning. A deputy responding about 3:45 a.m. today re-booked Aaron T. Sjoblom, 40, of Winlock, into the jail, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

• A 34-year-old Ethel resident found to have an outstanding warrant after a deputy responded to a report of a suspicious person early this morning ended up being arrested for possession of heroin. The deputy at about 12:40 a.m. was at first directed to the area of the 100 block of Leonard Road and eventually came across Timothy J. Nielson at state Route 508 near Coulson Road, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office. Nielson was booked into the Lewis County Jail, according to the sheriff’s office.

• A 32-year-old Centralia man who allegedly punched his girlfriend was arrested yesterday for fourth-degree assault and then allegedly found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Officers responding about 3:25 p.m. to the incident associated with the 400 block of West Main Street in Centralia booked Jeff D. Prindle into the Lewis County Jail, according to the Centralia Police Department.

ASSAULT

• The Centralia Police Department reports this morning that yesterday an officer took a report from a 58-year-old Centralia woman that she was assaulted on Monday night by an “unknown Hispanic male” in his 30s who punched her in the face and broke her jaw. The case is associated with a location on the 1000 block of Eckerson Road in Centralia, according to the Centralia Police Department.

BURGLARY

• Centralia police called about 3:45 p.m. yesterday about someone breaking into a residence on the 2500 block of Howard Avenue and developed a suspect based on video surveillance, according to the Centralia Police Department. The suspect, William J. Brown, 28, a homeless person, was subsequently located by the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office and booked into the Lewis County Jail for second-degree burglary, according to the Centralia Police Department.

MISSING MONEY

• A victim reported yesterday the theft of money from her room that occurred sometime last week at the 900 block of South Scheuber Road in Centralia, according to the Centralia Police Department.

AUTO THEFT

• Centralia police were called about noon yesterday to take a report that a black 1997 Honda Accord had been stolen during the night from the 3000 block of Russell Road. The vehicle was later found abandoned, according to the Centralia Police Department.

VEHICLE PROWL

• Centralia police were called about 4:10 p.m. yesterday to the 600 block of South Gold Street where an individual reported that sometime during the night someone broke into his vehicle and stole fishing equipment.

• Police were called to the 600 block of Alder Street in Centralia about 9:40 a.m. yesterday where an individual reported that sometime overnight his vehicle was broken into and tools were taken.

• Chehalis police were called just before 9 a.m. yesterday when an individual reported the theft of tools from a tool box in the back of his truck while it was parked at the 1000 block of Southwest Interstate Avenue.

• A 34-year-old Centralia man was arrested after he was allegedly caught breaking in to several railcars in the area of the 100 block of East Sixth Street in Centralia yesterday morning. Miguel A. Palermo-Vasquez was booked into the Lewis County Jail for second-degree burglary, according to the Centralia Police Department. Prosecutors today declined to file the felony charge.

MAN ON PORCH

• A 46-year-old homeless person was arrested early this morning after he was discovered sitting on a couch someone else’s front porch at the 700 block of South Gold Street. An officer was called about 12:15 a.m. and Jeremy L. Boggess was arrested for second-degree trespass, according to the Centralia Police Department.

AND FROM MORTON

• Morton police report they have been asked to conduct extra patrols in the area of the 200 block of state Route 7 following an Oct. 1 nighttime theft from a shop of various property totaling about $1,775.

AND MORE

• And, as usual, other incidents such as arrests for warrants, trespassing, shoplifting, violation of no contact order, driving under the influence, driving with suspended license, third-degree assault, misdemeanor domestic assault; responses for alarm, dispute, civil issue, vehicle collision, suspicious circumstances, disorderly person … and more among 167 calls for local law enforcement and / or fire-emergency medical services in the 24-hour period ending about 7 a.m.

Centralia couple facing four years of prison for severe neglect of son

Wednesday, October 11th, 2017
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Anthony Foxworth Sr. and his attorney go before a judge today in Lewis County Superior Court

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – The Centralia parents of a boy who at 16 years old was so malnourished he weighed less than 60 pounds, couldn’t stand on his own and was missing patches of hair are pleading guilty to criminal charges after a deal was struck with prosecutors, rather than risk going to trial.

Anthony Foxworth Sr., 45, pleaded guilty today in Lewis County Superior Court as charged, to one count of first-degree criminal mistreatment. His wife is scheduled to plead guilty next week, based on the same agreement, according to her lawyer.

Lewis County Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer today told the judge he would be recommending a prison term of four years and three months.

The charges were filed at the end of last year, after an investigation that began almost a year earlier. The couple has not been held in jail.

The Centralia Police Department got involved after the Foxworth’s took their son to the doctor because he had abdominal pain, and his condition was such that he was put in Mary Bridge Childrens’ Hospital in Tacoma. Allegations in charging documents included that the teen had not been enrolled in school since 2011 and had not seen a doctor since 2007.

Lewis County Deputy Prosecutor Melissa Bohm wrote in charging documents he had a younger brother and sister who were in school, appeared healthy and presented little concern.

But he was wearing pull-ups and his skeletal age was determined to be that of a 13-year-old child, Bohm wrote. The boy was put in foster care where he began to gain weight and grow taller.

No explanation has been shared by authorities, except, according to Bohm, Mary Foxworth said she thought he was starving himself because he was depressed; and admitted she didn’t know when he began to lose weight because she was too wrapped up in her own depression.

Her attorney Jacob Clark today said, outside the hearing, the risks of going to trial were too great, because if found guilty a judge could impose a much longer sentence.

“You go from a standard (sentencing) range of 51 to 68 months, all the way up to (potentially) 10 years,” Clark said.

Anthony Foxworth’s lawyer Chris Baum spoke of the same issue regarding his client in the proceeding this afternoon before Judge Joely O’Rourke.

“I told him he doesn’t have to plead, if you don’t want to we could go to trial,” Baum said. “But if we go to trial, the state’s made it clear, they’re going to put a bunch of aggravators on it.”

Today’s hearing didn’t last more than five minutes. Judge O’Rourke accepted the plea and found Foxworth Sr. guilty.

Baum outside the courtroom said part of the plea agreement is prosecutors will recommend the low end of the standard sentencing range.

“It’s kind of a sad situation all the way around,” Baum said. “He didn’t intend for this to happen and I know he feels bad.”

The legal standard for the offense is recklessness, he said, not intent.

The couple are both set to be sentenced on Nov. 1.
•••

For background, read “‘Skin and bones’: Parents charged with severe neglect of teen” from Thursday January 5, 2017, here

Sirens: Daily police and fire roundup

Wednesday, October 11th, 2017
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•••

POLICE: SENIOR THREATENS ROOMMATE WITH KNIFE

• A 74-year-old Centralia man was arrested yesterday after allegedly pulling a knife on his roommate and threatening to kill him. Officers called about 9:10 a.m. to the 200 block of East Chestnut Street arrested John C. Baker for second-degree assault and booked him in to the Lewis County Jail, according to the Centralia Police Department.

YOUNG MEN ASSAULT OLDER MAN

• Two Centralia men in their 20s who were reportedly observed shoving an older man to the ground about 9:40 p.m. yesterday at the 200 block of South Diamond Street in Centralia were arrested for fighting in public, according to the Centralia Police Department. Alex S. Jacot, 23, was booked into the Lewis County Jail, according to police. Deaven M. Lawrence, 22, was cited and then released, according to police.

HOSPITAL VISITOR ARRESTED

• A 32-year-old Centralia man was arrested after police were called about 9:55 p.m. yesterday to the 900 block of South Scheuber Road where he had allegedly refused to leave the hospital and assaulted a security officer. Jason R. Ferris was booked into the Lewis County Jail for fourth-degree assault and also interfering with a health care facility, according to the Centralia Police Department.

THEFT CENTRALIA

• Centralia police were called just before 5 p.m. yesterday to take a report from an individual on the 400 block of South Diamond Street that someone had come onto the porch and stole a pack of cigarettes.

• The theft of fuel from a residence on the 100 block of East Carson Street in Centralia was reported to police about 10:10 a.m. yesterday.

VEHICLE THEFT

• Centralia police were called about 5:50 a.m. today after a red 2000 Volkswagen Jetta was stolen from the 1400 block of Harrison Avenue. The car, which was being warmed up before it disappeared, has a license plate reading BDZ 4379, according to the Centralia Police Department. “This incident should serve as a reminder that leaving a vehicle running unattended is an excellent way to get it stolen and is also a violation of law punishable by an infraction,” Centralia police stated along with a brief summary of the incident.

• A truck canopy was stolen from the area of Field Avenue and South Gold Street but later recovered when it fell off of the would-be thieves’ vehicle as they attempted to drive away with it, according to a report made to Centralia police about 3:10 a.m. today.

DRUGS

• A 24-year-old Centralia woman arrested for disorderly conduct about 6 o’clock this morning at the 500 block of South Tower Avenue was then searched and found to have suspected meth, according to the Centralia Police Department. Briget J. Parker was then also arrested for possession of methamphetamine and booked into the Lewis County Jail, according to police.

• A 39-year-old Chehalis resident was arrested for possession of methamphetamine when police called about 4:15 a.m. today for suspicious circumstances contacted a man on a bicycle at the 1600 block of South Market Boulevard and discovered he had an outstanding warrant. Patrick E.B. Ashley was was booked into the Lewis County Jail, according to the Chehalis Police Department.

• A 26-year-old Chehalis man who turned himself in yesterday to the state Department of Corrections knowing he would be put in jail for approximately three days allegedly “secreted” unauthorized prescription medication which was discovered when he was booked yesterday, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office. Rodney S. Creech also brought Suboxone strips with him, according to the sheriff’s office. A deputy called over to the Lewis County Jail about 2:50 p.m. talked with Creech and booked him for a violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, Chief Deputy Dusty Breen said.

VANDALISM

• Centralia police called to the 800 block of Field Avenue about 6:15 p.m. yesterday took a report of blue spray painted graffiti on the school and damage to a staff member’s vehicle. The case with two 13-year-old boys as suspects is being referred to prosecutors for charges of third-degree malicious mischief, according to the Centralia Police Department.

LOST AND FOUND

• Chehalis police were contacted about 5:25 p.m. yesterday regarding found property at the theater on Northeast Hampe Way. The Chehalis Police Department is now in possession of a collection of wallets and purses left there, according to police.

AND MORE

• And, as usual, other incidents such as arrests for drugs, warrants, trespassing,  third-degree theft, driving with suspended license; responses for vehicle collision, suspicious circumstances, disorderly person … and more calls for local law enforcement and / or fire-emergency medical services in the 24-hour period ending about 7 a.m.