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Missing elderly assisted living facility resident found outdoors, safe

Wednesday, October 11th, 2017

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – An elderly woman reported missing from a Chehalis  assisted living facility was located about a block away hunkered down outside a church, cold but otherwise in good health and spirits, according to the Chehalis Police Department.

Hilda Wenz, 92, was last seen at midnight at the Chehalis West Assisted Living Center on  Northwest Quincy Place. Police were notified at 8 o’clock this morning she was missing.

Department spokesperson Linda Bailey said Wenz was found at approximately 11:17 a.m. tucked in a little cubby place outside the church on the corner of Northwest West Street and Northwest Rhode Island Avenue.

Bailey said she did not know what time the woman left the facility, but residents are not locked in there.

“I don’t know she knows where she was, really,” Bailey said.

Chehalis police issued a Silver Alert and were going door to door this morning searching. They were assisted by employees from the city’s public works department, parks and recreation department and a sheriff’s deputy, Bailey said.

Wenz was checked by medics and taken back home, Bailey said.

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Chehalis police seek help finding elderly woman

Wednesday, October 11th, 2017
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Missing, Hilda Wenz

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – Chehalis police are asking residents to look around their yards and inside outbuildings this morning as they search for an elderly woman who has not been seen since midnight.

Hilda Wenz, 92, was last seen at the assisted living facility where she resides on the 400 block of Northwest Quincy Place in Chehalis.

“When they checked on her this morning at approximately 8 a.m., they were unable to locate her,” Chehalis Police Department spokesperson Linda Bailey stated in a press release.

Wenz has no mobility issues for her age and can walk unassisted, according to police. Bailey said Wenz is unfamiliar with the area.

She is about 4-foot 10-inches tall, weighs about 135 pounds and is described as a white female with white hair. It is unknown what clothing she may have been wearing.

A Silver Alert has been issued.

Chehalis West Assisted Living Center is located in a neighborhood just west of downtown and east of Interstate 5, on Quincy at Northwest Gertrude Street. Its sits adjacent to a set of railroad tracks.

Police are asking the public to assist by looking around on their property for Wenz. Anyone who may have seen her is asked to call the police department at 360-748-8605 or Lewis County dispatch at 360-740-1105.

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Chehalis Wal-Mart stabbing suspect says teen hit him first

Tuesday, October 10th, 2017
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Jose F. Chagolla Flores steps away from the defense table after his bail hearing in Lewis County Superior Court

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – The Onalaska teen who allegedly stabbed another teen in the chest in Wal-Mart’s parking lot told police he was engaged with someone else when the 17-year-old showed up and hit him in the face hard enough to knock him to the ground, according to authorities.

Eighteen-year-old Jose F. Chagolla Flores said he got up off the ground, was “hell mad” and tired from working – and hates to be hit in the face – so he pulled out his knife and stabbed the 17-year-old, according to charging documents.

Chagolla Flores was ordered held on $500,000 bail when he went before a judge yesterday afternoon in Lewis County Superior Court. He was charged with first-degree assault.

The condition of the 17-year-old victim, who has not been named, is unknown.

Lewis County Senior Deputy Prosecutor Sara Beigh told the judge the allegation is the boy was stabbed in the heart. She said in a conversation with a detective, the suspect claimed to be a gang member.

Temporary defense attorney Rachael Tiller said her client lives with his mother, who was in the courtroom along with his father. He has juvenile “matters” that are sealed, she said.

Tiller said he was working but probably has now lost his employment so she believed he qualified for a court-appointed lawyer.

According to the Chehalis Police Department and charging documents, officers were dispatched just before 9 p.m. on Thursday for a fight between two males at the 1600 block of Northwest Louisiana Avenue. Wal-Mart employees told them on was white and the other was black, charging documents relate.

The males had already left in separate vehicles.

Soon after, police were advised of a 17-year-old boy who was seeking medical treatment at Providence Centralia Hospital for a stab wound. They contacted the patient, who was not cooperative with officers. He was transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and would later go through surgery to repair the damage done by the knife.

Friends of the 17-year-old in the hospital waiting room said he’d gotten into a fight with another male who stabbed him. The friends gave police a name for the suspect.

The following day, Chagolla Flores was located at a friend’s home. His vehicle was found at a residence on Brockway Road and was impounded.

Chagolla Flores reportedly gave a statement to police, that he had been meeting a third party at Wal-Mart to sell marijuana and they were about to do the transaction when the 17-year-old showed up. And then he relayed his account of what transpired.

He was arrested and “the knife” was located in his backpack which was with him.

“Officers did not see any injuries to Chagollan’s face and when asked he stated he had injuries except to one on his hand which was caused from the knife,” Lewis County Senior Deputy Prosecutor Will Halstead wrote in charging documents.

Charging documents gave his name as Jose F. Chagollan Flores and Chehalis police stated yesterday his name was Jose Chagollan. Tiller advised the court the “N” at the end was incorrect.

His arraignment is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Thursday in  Lewis County Superior Court.

The Chehalis Police Department yesterday morning indicated the condition of the victim and extent of his injuries were unknown. Department spokesperson Linda Bailey this afternoon said she still had not learned that information.
•••

For background, read “One injured, one arrested following stabbing outside Wal-Mart” from Monday October 9, 2017, here

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Sirens: Daily police and fire roundup

Tuesday, October 10th, 2017
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•••

EX-BOYFRIEND WANTED FOR ASSAULT WITH VEHICLE

• The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office reports today they are looking for a 44-year-old Toledo man who allegedly tried to hit his ex-girlfriend with a truck yesterday morning along the 4100 block of Jackson Highway. Deputies called about 9 a.m. yesterday spoke to the woman who said he was parked and waiting for her when she walked back from the store, she crossed the street to avoid him but he followed her into a parking lot where they argued. She said when her ex pulled out onto the highway, he swerved towards her and she was struck on the back of her shoulder by his mirror, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office. Chief Deputy Dusty Breen said if they are not able to locate the suspect, they plan to refer the case to prosecutors for a charge of first-degree assault.

TOO MUCH WEED

• A 36-year-old Toledo man was arrested yesterday when detectives visiting a trailer spotted him just getting up from lying down in the weeds nearby and discovered about three pounds worth of marijuana in the midst of getting trimmed from is branches. A detective found a pair of clippers and a tray of marijuana buds, according to court documents. Law enforcement also collected from inside the trailer marijuana in a dehumidifier and more hanging in a shower to dry, charging documents allege. The location is identified in court documents as on Pine Tree Drive. Jeramiah R. Wallace was booked into the Lewis County Jail and today was charged in Lewis County Superior Court with possession of a controlled substance. A judge set his bail with a $25,000 unsecured bond.

BREAK-IN RANDLE

• A deputy was called about 9:20 p.m. yesterday for a burglary at a residence on the 700 block of Silverbrook Road in Randle that occurred while the victim was away since Wednesday. He said all the windows and doors were still locked but he was missing two pellet guns, two 10-inch speakers and a speaker box, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

THEFT CENTRALIA

• Centralia police said this morning they are investigating the theft of a few pieces of “very valuable” jewelry from the 100 block of Cindy Road. The victim reported it to police just after 3 p.m. yesterday and has a suspect in mind, according to the Centralia Police Department.

• Centralia police took a report about 4:20 p.m. yesterday regarding a ring stolen from a residence on the 2500 block of Kristine Court.

• Police were called about 9:15 p.m. yesterday to a business at the 1000 block of Ellsbury Street where they were told an unknown male got into a walk-in cooler not accessible to the public and stole a three-pack of beer.

BREAK-IN TOLEDO

• The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office reported this morning they are investigating a burglary that occurred at the 100 block of Wallace Road in Chehalis in which a resident came home and discovered a ladder outside a bedroom window, which was open and it appeared someone searched through the room, stealing prescription medication. It happened on Saturday afternoon, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

THEFT CHEHALIS

• Chehalis police were called just after 4 p.m. yesterday to a location on Northwest Louisiana Avenue where an individual reportedly had walked out the door with a drone, a television and other items. No arrest was made,

AUTO THEFT

• Chehalis police were called just before 3 p.m. yesterday regarding a stolen vehicle located parked on Southwest Pacific Avenue.

AND MORE

• And, as usual, other incidents such as arrests for warrants, protection order violation, driving with suspended license, misdemeanor domestic assault, driving without required ignition interlock device; responses for alarm, dispute, civil issue, suspected shoplifting, suspicious circumstances, disorderly person  … and more among 127 calls for local law enforcement and / or fire-emergency medical services in the 24-hour period ending about 7 a.m.

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Victim survived hour and 15 minutes inside well, before further tragedy in Winlock

Tuesday, October 10th, 2017

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – The fire department in Winlock shared details of its weekend rescue of a woman from near the bottom of an approximately 50-foot deep well.

She was reportedly unhurt, but spent more than an hour with a foot hold that kept her in waist-deep water while responders carried out an extrication, according to Lewis County Fire District 15.

It’s not yet clear how it might be related but later the same evening, on Sunday, one of the woman’s brothers allegedly shot and killed a younger brother and then himself at the same property. The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the two deaths; no names have been released.

Firefighters and deputies were called at 4:14 p.m. on Sunday to the 600 block of Tennessee Road north of Winlock, because the woman had been attempted to disinfect the well with chlorine when the floorboards broke loose and she fell into the well, according to authorities.

Responders found she was conscious and she told them she was not injured, according to Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Anderson. They learned she was initially completely submerged, but was able to swim to the water’s surface and find a foothold, Anderson stated in a press release.

The sheriff’s office described her as trapped by debris which had collapsed through the opening.

The hand dug well was inside a pump house and crews had to stabilize the area to prevent a pump, a pressure tank and more flooring from tumbling down on top of the woman, according to Anderson.

Rope rescue technicians from the Centralia area’s Riverside Fire Authority were summoned and a hole had to be cut in the roof of the structure to provide access for a rope and pulley system. Firefighters lowered a life vest and helmet down to the vicim for protection, according to Anderson.

She remained conscious and communicating throughout the operation, he said.

A rescue harness was lowered and the woman was finally hoisted to the surface at approximately 5:29 p.m., Anderson stated.

The sheriff’s office said yesterday morning the woman is 64 years old, but later indicated she is 63 years old.

Anderson said in his press release she was transported to Providence Centralia Hospital in stable condition, but didn’t know specifically for what reason.

The sheriff’s office has said that during the rescue operation, the woman’s 59-year-old brother was disruptive and arguing with his 56-year-old brother, so he was asked to leave.

Deputies were called back to the property at about 6:30 p.m., when witnesses said the 59-year-old man had returned with a handgun and shot his 56-year-old brother multiple times before turning the gun on himself. Rescue crews had all departed before that occurred, according to Chief Deputy Dusty Breen.

The Lewis County Coroner’s Office is expected to release the names of the two men once they have completed family notifications for both.
•••

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

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Jasper: Toddler death case in limbo as defendant contemplates options

Tuesday, October 10th, 2017
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Danny Wing, in red, appears before Judge Andrew Toynbee

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – Danny A. Wing was back in court in Chehalis this morning after winning an appeal that allows him to take back his guilty pleas in the death of a 3-year-old boy he and his wife were caring for.

Wing was sentenced to almost 35 years in prison for first-degree manslaughter and third-degree child assault following the Oct. 5, 2014 death of Jasper Henderling-Warner.

The family, with three children of their own and from the Vancouver area, had  been living in Vader about two weeks when the Wings called 911 to say the toddler was unconscious and not breathing. The coroner concluded Jasper died of chronic battered child syndrome.

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Jasper Henderling-Warner

In February of this year, a division of the Washington State Court of Appeals concluded Wing’s plea was premised on an incorrect offender score for the third degree assault of a child conviction, rendering the plea involuntary. At the time, Lewis County Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer said if Wing withdrew his plea, prosecutors would take the case to trial.

Wing, now 29, appeared in Lewis County Superior Court this morning, represented by Vancouver attorney Sean Downs.

Representing the state before Judge Andrew Toynbee were Lewis County senior deputy prosecutors Will Halstead and Sara Beigh. Jasper’s mother, flanked by supporters, was in the audience.

The hearing was brief, and a longer hearing was set for 2 p.m. this Friday, to determine what happens next, according to Beigh.

Wing’s wife, Brenda A. Wing, was convicted and sentenced similarly to her husband, and won an appeal on the exact same issue.

Beigh said she’s not sure when Brenda Wing will be brought back to  Lewis County Superior Court, as she has petitioned for review by the Washington State Supreme Court on part of the appeal she lost.

Danny Wing also had petitioned for review but the higher court declined to do so, according to Beigh.
•••

For background, read “Appeals court reverses conviction in Vader child death” from Friday March 3, 2017, here

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Sirens: Daily police and fire roundup

Monday, October 9th, 2017
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•••

Updated

ALLEGED GUN THREAT LANDS MAN IN JAIL

• A 37-year-old man was arrested last night after deputies responded to a call from a person who said his ex-wife was being threatened with a shotgun by her boyfriend at the 2200 block of state Route 6 east of Adna. When they arrived, Rockford H. Lang told deputies he’d been home alone all night, didn’t have a girlfriend, didn’t have a gun and denied any dispute, but deputies heard a female yelling “help” from his trailer, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office as related in court papers. The woman inside reportedly said Lang was upset abut her being on the phone, kicked at her and hit her in the face before grabbing what she thought was a shotgun and a box of ammunition and saying he was going to sleep in the truck and if she came out, he would kill her, according to charging documents. Deputies located two .22 caliber rifles, arrested Lang and booked him into the Lewis County Jail. He was charged today in Lewis County Superior Court with felony harassment, unlawful imprisonment and two counts of first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. He is a convicted felon, according to prosecutors. Lang told the judge in court this afternoon it was all a big misunderstanding. The alleged victim indicated through his lawyer a similar sentiment. Judge Joely O’Rourke set his bail at $50,000 and ordered him to have no contact with the woman.

BURGLARY

• Chehalis police were called about 1:30 p.m. yesterday about a possible attempted burglary at the 10 block of Southwest 12th Street. Someone removed plywood from at least one window on a garage, according to the Chehalis Police Department.

• Someone stole a PlayStation and other electronics from a residence at the 1700 block of Harrison Avenue in Centralia, according to a report made to police just after 8 p.m. on Friday.

AUTO THEFT

• A vehicle reported stolen about 2:50 p.m. yesterday from the 1200 block of Lincoln Street in Centralia was later recovered in the King County area, according to the Centralia Police Department.

• Chehalis police were called about 2:45 p.m. on Saturday regarding a car missing from where it had been parked on the 10 block of Southwest William Avenue and are waiting for its owner to rule out that it may have been repossessed before taking a stolen vehicle report, according to the Chehalis Police Department.

VEHICLE PROWL

• Centralia police were called about 1:05 p.m. yesterday to the 800 block of J Street to take a report that two RV batteries had been stolen from a travel trailer.

• Chehalis police responded to a second-hand report just after 11 a.m. on Saturday of a gun stolen from a vehicle. Officers are waiting to hear from the actual victim to take a report, according to the Chehalis Police Department.

• A steering column was damaged and a stereo stolen from a vehicle parked at the 100 block of West Third Street in Centralia, according to a report made to police about 1:50 p.m. on Friday.

FAKE NAME FAIL

• A 47-year-old McCleary resident who allegedly identified himself as another person when he was contacted by police about 9:15 a.m. yesterday at the 300 block of North Tower Avenue in Centralia was arrested for identity theft, according to the Centralia Police Department. Richard D. York had an outstanding warrant he had hoped to hide and was booked into the Lewis County Jail, according to police.

DRUGS

• Officers called to the 900 block of South Scheuber Road just before 2:30 a.m. today arrested a 19-year-old for minor in possession and/or consumption of marijuana. Evelyn Lopez-Martinez, of Centralia, was then released pending court, according to the Centralia Police Department.

• A 56-year-old man contacted by police for trespassing about 5 p.m. yesterday at the 400 block of Harrison Avenue was arrested for an outstanding warrant and also for possession of methamphetamine. Sheldon M. Moren, described by police as transient, but who resides in Chehalis according to his temporary defense attorney, was booked into the Lewis County Jail, according to the Centralia Police Department.

• A 27-year-old man was arrested for outstanding warrants and possession of methamphetamine when contacted by Centralia police in the area of the Timberland Library on South Silver Street at about 4:15 p.m. on Friday. Jacob D. Holmgren, a homeless person, was booked into the Lewis County Jail, according to the Centralia Police Department.

• A 29-year-old woman found to have an outstanding warrant when an officer responded to an approximately 12:20 p.m. call on Friday about a possible trespasser at a red-tagged house on the 200 block of Southwest 14th Street in Chehalis was booked into the Lewis County Jail where a small baggie of suspected meth was discovered, according to the Chehalis Police Department. Megan M. Murphy was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, according to police.

ON THE ROAD, OFF THE ROAD

• A 30-year-old Centralia resident was arrested for driving under the influence after his vehicle allegedly left the roadway and collided with a street light pole at the 1000 block of West First Street in Centralia last night. Centralia police called about 10:15 p.m. stated this morning that Matthew T. Fauland-Nichols was arrested by the Washington State Patrol and booked into the Lewis County Jail.

• A 43-year-old Winlock man was arrested for driving under the influence in connection with an alleged hit and run collision at the 100 block of Carlisle Avenue in Onalaska reported at about 9:05 p.m. on Saturday. Wesley R. Pinion was booked into the Lewis County Jail, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

• A 20-year-old Doty resident was reportedly unhurt but taken for evaluation after a rollover collision on the 700 block of Leudinghaus Road reported about 3:15 a.m. on Saturday. The 2005 Ford F350 pickup was totaled and its driver, Michael J. Toepelt, was arrested for driving under the influence and  booked into the Lewis County Jail, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

• Centralia police called about 3:30 p.m. on Friday for a collision involving a pedestrian at Borst Avenue and Allen Street report they were told by the 12-year-old boy the car slid to a stop and it either bumped him or he stepped into it. The car then fled, according to the Centralia Police Department.

AND MORE

• And, as usual, other incidents such as arrests for warrants, hit and run, trespassing, third-degree theft, driving under the influence, reckless endangerment, protection order violation, driving with no license, driving with suspended license, misdemeanor domestic assault, third-degree malicious mischief, driving without required ignition interlock device; responses for alarm, dispute, civil issue, shoplifting, vandalism, harassment, vehicle collision, suspicious circumstances, misdemeanor theft, disorderly person  … and more among 436 calls for local law enforcement and / or fire-emergency medical services in the 72-hour period ending about 7 a.m.

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