News

The name of the 51-year-old man who died is Ronald Ferguson. Ferguson’s family has been notified, and no additional information about the investigation is available.

On Friday, June 10, 2022, at about 7:30 a.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a hit-a-run call near SW 185th Avenue and SW Tualatin Valley Highway. Deputies learned a red sedan had rear-ended another vehicle, and after the two cars pulled into a nearby parking lot, the driver of the red sedan drove off. Just before the driver of the red sedan left, a witness believed they saw the driver swallow several pills.

On Wednesday, June 8, 2022, the United States Marshall's Fugitive Task Force arrested 35-year-old Jimmy Pierce of Portland in connection with the 2017 murder of then 34-year-old Ramon Harris. The task force arrested Jimmy Pierce near SE Bush Street and SE 112 Avenue in Portland.

After 41 days, Washington County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Mike Trotter was released from the hospital following treatment for injuries he received after another driver crashed into his patrol vehicle on April 27.

On June 2, 2022, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office conducted a child predator sting where police used a variety of social media platforms to pose as underage boys and girls. The people contacted the undercover investigators online and offered to meet a person they believed to be a child for sex. When the people arrived to meet the child, they were instead contacted by law enforcement and arrested.

On Wednesday, June 1, 2022, around 3:00 p.m., Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a report of a missing and endangered 12-year-old. Deputies learned the 12-year-old<br />was last seen at 1:00 p.m., in the community of Cedar Mill and that he left his residence in a 2018<br />Kia Soul.

On Thursday, March 24th, 2022, at 7:23 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a shooting at a residence in the 2500 block of SW Lafollett Rd in unincorporated Cornelius. A person called 911 to report that Christopher Hugh Salter, 44, had just shot someone in the front yard. Deputies responded to the scene, along with an ambulance.

On Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at approximately 2:40 a.m., 35-year-old Crystal Leuenberger died in custody at the Washington County Jail. She arrived at the Jail less than 24 hours before her death. The Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office will conduct an autopsy later this afternoon. A cause of death has yet to be determined.

On Saturday, May 21, 2022, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Sheriff’s Office Foundation, will hold the 15th Annual Washington County K9 Trials at Hillsboro Stadium. This is Oregon’s premier police K9 competition, where K9 units from throughout the region compete for the coveted prize of “Top Dog.” The event was postponed for two years due to COVID-19 health and safety regulations.

Thank you, Washington County urban unincorporated voters, for continuing with enhanced police services provided through the Enhanced Sheriff’s Patrol District (ESPD). Your ongoing support ensures we have the funding necessary to keep our communities safe through rapid response to emergency calls, services on par with nearby cities, and resources for those experiencing homelessness, mental health crises, or substance abuse issues. It is an honor to serve this community, and we appreciate your continued support.

On the afternoon of Friday, May 13, 2022, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies learned the vehicle belonging to 77-year-old Ralph Brown, who was reported missing on May 16, 2021, was located in the Willamette River, near Roger’s Landing Boat Ramp. The vehicle was fully submerged and approximately 40 feet deep when a private company, Adventures With Purpose, located it.