News

This morning, July 26, 2022, Washington County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol deputies resumed their search for the missing swimmer. Deputies were assisted by Lake Oswego Fire Department’s Dive Team and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.

Over the past several days, law enforcement officers from the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the Hillsboro Police Department have witnessed and received complaints about a motorcycle driving recklessly on Hwy 26 westbound during the early morning hours. At times, law enforcement spotted a motorcycle traveling more than 124 mph. Due to the excessive speeds and concerns for the public, law enforcement officers did not initiate a pursuit of the motorcycle when they witnessed it traveling at excessive speeds.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office welcomes members of the media to a reserved blood drive at the Sheriff's Office at 215 SW Adams Avenue in Hillsboro. On July 20, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. Sheriff Pat Garrett, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief Kenny Frentress, Deputy Trotter's wife, Heather, and others plan to donate blood and will be available for interviews.

On July 10, 2022, at 5:20 p.m., deputies were dispatched to a crash at SW 194th Avenue and SW Johnson Street in the community of Aloha. Multiple people called 911 after a driver crashed into two cars. The driver, later identified as 32-year-old Melissa Valdez of Hillsboro, then tried to get away from a witness who tackled her to stop her from fleeing. Valdez said she would stay and removed her shoes, but then ran away barefoot.

On July 8, 2022, just before 5 p.m., detectives assigned to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit and Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART) found and arrested 34-year-old Tyler W. Fetterhoff in Beaverton. They charged Fetterhoff with assault in the second degree, felony failure to perform the duties of a driver (hit and run causing injury), and reckless driving. Diana Petty, the victim of the crash, remains in critical condition.

Deputies have located 15-year-old Alexandria “Alex” Harrison. Harrison is safe and back with her family.

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.

In recognition of National Corrections Officers Week, Washington County Sheriff’s Office would like to acknowledge the hard work of our jail staff. On April 6, 2022, the Washington County Jail again earned accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC). This renewal in accreditation marks the jail's 23rd year of compliance with NCCHC's Standards for Health Services in Jails. Accreditation recognizes the Washington County Jail's dedication to compliance with leading industry standards in correctional health care.

At approximately 10:00 p.m., Alejandro “Alex” DeLeon-Mendoza was located and reunited with his family. Deputies want to thank the public for their help in this case.

This week, members of the Washington County Sheriff's Office inter-agency Crisis Negotiation Unit participated in the 36th annual Hostage Negotiation Team Competition hosted by the Western States Hostage Negotiators' Association. Twelve negotiation teams from multiple states competed in a challenging full-day scenario in which every aspect of crisis negotiation was utilized and tested.