News

On June 11, 2020, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office email list was accessed by an unauthorized individual. This database of email addresses was used to send a fake version of our “WCSO News” email newsletter. The information contained in the fake email is inflammatory and does not further the conversation or help the frustration and concerns our community is feeling in regard to police brutality and race relations. We apologize for the unauthorized spam messages.

The Washington County Major Crimes Team has identified the deceased as Robert Anthony “Jordan” Whitehead, age 26.

On the afternoon of May 31, 2020, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office received an allegation that a deputy sent an inappropriate email with racial epithets. While it appears the email is over 16 years old and four years before being employed at the Sheriff’s Office, it is entirely inconsistent with the core values and professional standards at the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office promptly opened an investigation by the Professional Standards Unit (PSU). The employee is on administrative leave pending PSU’s investigation.

We stand together as law enforcement professionals in the Portland Metropolitan Area to condemn the tactics and actions demonstrated in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is our job to protect life and increase public safety within our communities.

Beginning Wednesday, May 27, 2020, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) will conduct a three-day compliance assessment of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The team will measure the agency’s continued ability to meet public safety standards considered to be benchmarks of excellence nationwide. The Sheriff’s Office has been continuously nationally accredited by CALEA since 2004.

On Friday, May 1, 2020, Portland Police Bureau officers found Mr. Swearingen. He was found safe near the Eastmoreland Golf Course.

On April 23, 2020, at 9:15 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Plaid Pantry at 809 NW Murray Bv. in the community of Bethany. An employee called 911 to report the store had been robbed at knifepoint. A man wearing a mask, gloves, and sunglasses robbed the store and then fled on foot.

On Thursday, April 23, 2020, at 9:37 p.m. Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a restraining order violation actively occurring. 25-year-old Christopher Kent, of Hillsboro, Oregon, was driving his 1992 Ford Aerostar van and was chasing another vehicle. Mr. Kent was chasing an individual who had an active restraining order against him. While deputies were trying to catch up to Mr. Kent’s vehicle, Mr. Kent rammed the car he was chasing.

On Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at 11:40 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped a 2002 Ford F150 with a suspected DUII driver. The traffic stop took place at NW Cornelius Pass Road at NW West Union Road, and the driver was identified as Jenaro Segundo-Garcia of Beaverton. Deputies discovered Mr. Segundo-Garcia’s license was revoked on a felony level and saw signs of impairment while talking to him. Mr. Segundo-Garcia cooperated with the investigation and was arrested for DUII (felony) and driving while felony revoked. At 1:00 a.m. the next morning, Mr. Segundo-Garcia provided a breath sample of .20 BAC. He received a citation in-lieu-of custody and was released to a responsible party at his home.

On April 1, 2020, the Washington County Sheriff's Office was notified by a staff member in the Patrol Division that they tested positive for COVID-19. Others who worked closely with the staff member were advised of the potential exposure and are taking the necessary precautions. The risk of exposure to the general public is very low.

On Friday, April 3, 2020, at 5:52 a.m., Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies serving the City of Cornelius found out 38-year-old, Gilberto Miranda, of Cornelius, Oregon, was at a residence located at 469 S 19th Avenue. Deputies are familiar with Mr. Miranda and knew he had an active warrant for rape in the first degree.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind community members that local law enforcement agencies WILL NOT perform a traffic stop on a vehicle for the sole purpose of ensuring the occupant(s) are complying with Governor Brown’s Executive Order 20-12. Additionally, during a traffic stop, law enforcement WILL NOT ask for documentation from an occupant’s employer to show they are “essential.”

During a meeting with Washington County justice leaders, Sheriff Pat Garrett announced several emergency measures to fight the outbreak of COVID-19. These temporary measures are aimed at minimizing disease transmission, protecting all staff and inmates inside the jail, and preserving the long-term viability of jail operations.

Over the past several months, detectives from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office have been investigating a sex trafficking case involving multiple victims, including a 17-year-old girl. Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit learned 21-year-old Devanne Branderhorst met the victim online and knew she was a minor.

On Thursday, March 5, 2020, at 8:52 a.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the Plaid Pantry Store located at 20375 W Baseline Road in Aloha. Deputies discovered a woman had asked the clerk to call the police because an unknown man dragged her under a nearby bridge and attempted to sexually assault her.

On February 16, 2020, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office completed a joint effort to educate the public about safety belt and child seat laws.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of human remains found in a wooded area of Aloha.

The Department of Homeland Security issued Washington County Sheriff Pat Garrett two immigration enforcement subpoenas to produce records related to two different individuals in current custody of the Washington County Jail.

On Monday, February 3, 2020, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office joined law enforcement agencies across the state in an effort to educate the public about safety belt and child seat laws, including a recently passed law increasing safety for children under the age of two.

On Thursday, February 6, 2020, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office will provide interested media with an interview opportunity with Corporal Jeremy Braun, his wife Joy, and Sheriff Pat Garrett.