• Body found on Saltzman
• Live Action Training
• Roving group of kids creating havoc in the Bethany area
• WCSO Watch: Summer Safety and Elder Abuse Awareness Month

Body found on Saltzman

The body of a deceased male was found on May 9 by a neighbor who smelled it. It was located below grade off the side of the road. Neighbors notified the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) and a team came out to investigate.

WCSO Community Outreach specialist Meghan Rasmussen says, “I’ve spoken to investigators about this, and we do not believe this death is suspicious. Additionally, there is no indication that this was caused by a vehicle. With all that being said, we do have to wait on the medical examiner to rule on the cause and manner of death before ruling anything out, and those findings do take time. The investigation will remain open until we receive that report. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we are not releasing their identity at this time.”

Live Action Training

WCSO recently held a Live-Action training exercise in a house on Old Thompson Rd. that will soon be demolished for development, near Findley Elementary.

Rasmussen explained, “Our Tactical Negotiations Team (TNT) trains multiple times a month in different environments to be ready for anything when needed. They often train in buildings where the property owner has given us permission to be there and to cause damage to the building if necessary. While these trainings can sometimes look surprising, they are controlled scenarios that help our team serve the community with greater care and safety. We often notify surrounding neighbors of these trainings to avoid unnecessary concerns and we directly contacted Finley Elementary School.

Roving group of kids creating havoc in the Bethany area

Neighbors have been reporting about a group of boys on electric bikes or motorcycles engaging in vandalism and harassing people in the area, including an incident of assault on the PCC campus. They have been seen on the campus in the past, and WCSO is investigating. 

Mia Villanueva, a reporter with KOIN, reported that a group of boys was hiding in trees at the side of the road, and when she drove by, they emerged and threw a ball and rocks at her car. She posted a photo on Facebook and reported the incident on the news. Other neighbors have reported harassing behavior in the Bethany Shopping Center. 

WCSO urges “all community members to call the non-emergency line (503-629-0111) if they are witnessing unsafe behavior or have a traffic complaint, and 9-1-1 when appropriate for an emergency. We would not encourage neighbors to get involved or put themselves in any dangerous situations.”

WCSO Watch: Summer Safety and Elder Abuse Awareness Month

Hello, Summer! As sunny days roll in, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) brings you timely summer-safety reminders and highlights Elder Abuse Awareness Month.

Summer Safety Guide

Stay safe and worry-free this summer with our essential tips on home safety for kids, travel precautions, water safety, and pet care.

Home alone safety: With summer break approaching, consider if your child is ready to stay home alone. This can be challenging because it depends on their maturity. Ask yourself: Does my child know how to get help in an emergency? Have we set rules for staying home alone?

Travel safety: Take precautionary measures to help keep your home and belongings safe while you’re away. Set up home safety tools, arrange for your mail to be taken care of, and consider finding a trusted person to keep an eye on your home.

Water safety: It’s crucial to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe while trying to keep cool. Remember to wear a life jacket, never swim alone, and exit the water if the current becomes rough.

Heat risks for pets in vehicles: As temperatures rise, a reminder to never leave pets in parked vehicles, even if the windows are cracked or if the vehicle is parked in a shaded area. In just 20 minutes, the temperature inside a car can increase by nearly 30 degrees, creating a dangerous and potentially lethal environment. Find our full Summer Safety guide here.

Elder Abuse Awareness Month

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, emphasizing the abuse and neglect faced by elderly adults. About 1 in 10 adults over 60 in the U.S. experience neglect or elder abuse—financial, emotional, physical, or sexual. You can help by checking on older neighbors and loved ones, recognizing warning signs, and reporting abuse.

In an effort to help provide services for victims of crimes, WCSO’s Elder Safe program assists victims aged 65 and older after a crime is reported, providing support through the criminal justice system. Learn more about the Elder Safe Program here, or call 503-846-6048.