NEWS RELEASE

Day & Date:  2-22-10

Release: immediate                                                                     Contact:  CCD Ron Cameron   360-417-2570  360-460-4303  

OPNET ELECTS NEW CHAIRMAN

The Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team is a multijurisdictional unit that is made up of detectives and investigators from participating law enforcement agencies in Clallam and Jefferson Counties. Their mission is essentially to target major drug dealers, suppliers or manufacturers of illegal substances that are operating in our communities.   

Currently, OPNET has agents from Clallam County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Port Angeles Police Department, Sequim Police Department, US Border Patrol and the Washington State Patrol that participate in the daily operations of the program.  Other area agencies from state, local, tribal and federal departments participate as well when needed. The program is directed by a board made up of agency heads from these departments, as well as the Prosecutors from Clallam and Jefferson Counties. 

Annually, the board elects a chair and co-chair to lead quarterly meetings that aid in administrative decisions for OPNET and help create and direct policy. Clallam County Sheriff Bill Benedict has served as the chair for the last couple of years while the co-chair position was unfilled.  Last week, the board met and elected Jefferson County Sheriff Tony Hernandez as OPENT Chair for 2010 and Sequim Police Chief Bob Spinks as co-chair. 

All members of OPNET continue to commit themselves to their mission to investigate those organizations that introduce or sell illicit drugs in our neighborhoods.

NEWS RELEASE

 Day & Date:            Monday, February 22, 2010

Release:                                                                        Contact: Undersheriff Ron Peregrin

Sheriff Benedict Recognizes Exceptional Service

Sheriff Bill Benedict recognized employees Saturday night with awards for exceptional performance and service to the citizens of Clallam County in 2009.  The awards are as follows:

Employee of the Year, Animal Control Deputy Tracey Kellas;  Medal of Valor and Purple Heart, Deputy Bill Cortani; Sheriff Star Medal, Civil Deputy Deb Everts and Undersheriff Ron Peregrin; Merit Award, Sergeant Nick Turner; Lifesaving Medals: Sergeant Jeff Finley (two awards), Corrections Officers Kellie Abbott, Steve Brooks, Ray Cooper, Gary Gort, Eric Morris, Dick Pitt, and Mary Rupprecht; Meritorious Service Awards, Sgt. Don Wenzl, Sgt. Jeff Finley, Sgt. Grant Lightfoot, Animal Control Deputy Tracey Kellas, Deputies Jef Boyd, Josh Ley, Emergency Management Program Coordinators Jamye Wisecup and Penny Linterman, Lead Food Service Worker Tom Shumway, Administrative Coordinator Chris James; Meritorious Unit Citation: Marine Unit, Deputies Ralph Edgington, Bobby Cannon, Jef Boyd, Eric Munger and Sgt. Randy Pieper; computer records management system conversion team: Luke Brown, Sylvia Orth, Jeff Finley, Karen Roberts, Mary Rupprecht, Matt Blore, Annie Lowe and Chris James; Jail medical support, Patti Leseur, Chuck Henke and Kathy Traxinger; Commendation Awards: Sgt. Randy Pieper, Deputies Mel Kempf and Ken Oien, Corrections Officer Buddy Depew.

 Sheriff Benedict states that the impressive number of awards earned this year is indicative of a vibrant and healthy department where each and every individual within it are committed to excellence in service to the public.  I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of them.  Awards covered a broad spectrum from valor and a purple heart earned by Deputy Cortani when he was engaged in a gun battle with an armed assailant, life saving medals for 4 attempted suicides thwarted by corrections officers, Sheriff Stars for excellence in service and a multitude of other exceptional performance by many employees.   Animal Control Deputy Tracy Kellas earned Employee of the Year for her exceptional dedication to service and her management of the Sheriff’s Office animal control program.  Deputy Kellas has taken the animal control program to a new and higher level and has provided the best animal control resources possible for the citizens of Clallam County.

NEWS RELEASE

  Day & Date:  Wednesday February 17, 2010                                           Contact:  Sgt Eric Kovatch  360-477-0227

Release:  Immediate                                                                                  

Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team (OPNET)

On February 17, 2010, detectives assigned to the Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team (OPNET) and officers with the Sequim Police Department served a search warrant at a residence in the 1000 block of W Deseret Avenue in Sequim. The search warrant was the result of an investigation into the sales of methamphetamine and prescription pills. 

Taken into custody without incident was Heidi E. Irwin-Loran, age 37, and James C. Loran, age 39. A quantity of methamphetamine, prescription pills and cash was seized from the residence.  

Irwin-Loran and Loran were subsequently booked into the Clallam County Correctional Facility on charges of delivery of controlled substances and possession with intent to deliver controlled substances. 

The case file will be forwarded to the Clallam County Prosecutor’s Office for the formal filing of charges.

Release: immediate Contact: CCD Ron Cameron 360-460-4303

A 33 year old man is recovering today, after being shot in the face with a .22 caliber rifle by his roommate. 

Deputies and Sheriff’s Detectives were called to S Alder Lane, just east of Port Angeles about 7:40 pm on Monday, after receiving calls reporting the shooting. Jacob Griffith, 33, was transported to Olympic Medical Center with a gunshot wound to his face. The roommate, 54 year old Keith Berlin, was arrested for attempted murder without incident at the Alder Lane residence by responding deputies.

The incident developed when an argument occurred between the roommates concerning an interrupted phone call. Berlin left the living area where the argument occurred and returned with the single shot rifle and shot Griffith. Griffith was able to escape and ran to a neighbor’s house for help. 

It appears Berlin had been drinking. Deputies and detectives obtained a search warrant and recovered the rifle and other evidence from the residence.

Griffith was treated for injuries to his cheek and released from the hospital. 

Berlin was booked into the Clallam County Corrections Facility for Attempted Murder. The case has been referred to the Clallam County Prosecutor for formal charging.

Release: immediate Contact: CCD Ron Cameron 360-460-4303

Deputies arrested 49 year old Manuel John Luiz of Edgewood, Washington Wednesday evening, after the semi-truck he was in possession of was found to be stolen. Deputies were called to a location along SR101 near the Old Olympic / O’Brien Rd intersection in response to a semi tractor / trailer that was essentially stuck on private property. The truck had damaged a telephone junction box and the driver was apparently having trouble with the truck. On deputies arrival, the found Luiz with the Kenworth.

When they checked the truck, it was found that the truck had been stolen Tuesday sometime out of Sumner, Washington. A witness at the location told deputies that Luiz told them the truck belonged to him.

One interesting note, though the Kenworth was confirmed to be stolen, the trailer was not. Deputies are continuing with the investigation today, to confirm ownership of the empty trailer/container combination. Owners of the Kenworth have been notified of the recovery of their truck.

Luiz was arrested and booked into the Clallam County Corrections Facility for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. The Clallam County Prosecutor will review the case for formal charging.

Release: immediate                                                                   Contact: CCD Ron Cameron 360-417-2570

A 28 year old man was arrested by Sheriff’s Deputies early Friday morning, after the deputies witnessed a drug transaction in Carlsborg. 

Nathan Ruffcorn of Port Angeles was booked for charges relating to possession and delivery of marijuana and heroin. Deputy Brian Knutson was parked near Carlsborg and 101 watching activity at a nearby store. As he watched, he saw two persons begin interacting in a manner which made him suspicious that a drug transaction was taking place. Following up on his suspicions, he made contact with one of the individuals who admitted to purchasing marijuana from the other individual identified as Ruffcorn.

With the information, Dep. Knutsen applied for and received a search warrant for Ruffcorn’s vehicle. The search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery in marijuana and heroin and evidence of dealing. More than $4500 in cash was also seized. 

Ruffcorn was arrested and booked into the Clallam County Correctional Facility. The case will be referred to the Clallam County Prosecutor for formal changing.

NEWS RELEASE

Day & Date:  Friday February 5, 2010                                           Contact:  Sgt Eric Kovatch

Release:  Immediate                                                                                   360-477-0227

Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team (OPNET)

 On February 5, 2010, detectives assigned to the Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team (OPNET), officers with the Port Angeles Police Department and officers with the Sequim Police Department executed a search warrant in the 800 block of South C Street in Port Angeles. 

The search warrant was the result of an investigation into the sales of cocaine. Taken into custody without incident was Robert L. Stone, age 23. Stone was booked into the Clallam County Correctional Facility on charges of delivery of a controlled substance, specifically cocaine. 

The case file will be referred to the Clallam County Prosecutor’s Office for the formal filing of charges.

NEWS RELEASE

 Day & Date:  Wednesday February 3, 2010                                           Contact:  Sgt Eric Kovatch

Release:  Immediate                                                                                   360-477-0227

Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team (OPNET)

On February 3, 2010, detectives assigned to the Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team (OPNET) and officers with the Port Angeles Police Department executed two search warrants in the city of Port Angeles. Both search warrants were the result of investigations conducted by OPNET into the manufacturing and sales of marijuana. 

The first search warrant served was in the 2300 block of W 18^th Street. Growing marijuana, processed marijuana and evidence of the sales of marijuana were located in the residence. Sherry N. Buchanan, age 26, and Joshua W. Buchanan, age 30, were taken into custody without incident.  

Sherry and Joshua Buchanan were booked into the Clallam County Correctional Facility on charges of delivery of a controlled substance, manufacturing marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. 

The second search warrant was served in the 2100 block of W 15^th Street. Growing marijuana, processed marijuana and evidence of the sales of marijuana were located in the residence and outbuildings. David J. James, age 48, and Michelle A. Bateham, age 30, were taken into custody without incident. 

James and Bateham were booked into the Clallam County Correctional Facility on charges of delivery of a controlled substance, manufacturing marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. 

All case file paperwork will be forwarded to the Clallam County Prosecutor’s Office for the formal filing of charges.   

People with information about indoor and outdoor marijuana growing operations can report their information anonymously and receive a reward if that information leads to the arrest of the offender(s). If you do have such information and wish to report it, please call 1-800-388-GROW (4769).

NEWS RELEASE

 Day & Date: Friday January 29, 2010                      Contact:  Det. Sgt. Lyman Moores

Release: Immediate                                            (360) 460-4319

Burglary Task Force Investigation Leads to Arrest and Recovery of Stolen Hand Gun

In the early morning hours, on January 29, 2010 Olympic Peninsula Burglary Task Force (OPBTF) arrested Miles Keith Stayton, age 25, on 3 counts of Possession of Stolen Firearm.   Search warrant was executed at Stayton’s residence located on the west side of Port Angeles.   Stayton was booked into county jail where he awaits formal charging by the Prosecutor’s Office.  

Members of Port Angeles Police Department and the Washington State Patrol (WSP), SWAT Team executed the search warrant at a private residence in the 1300 block of West 16^th Street in Port Angeles.    

Detectives from the Port Angeles Police Department had earlier requested the assistance of the (WSP) SWAT unit in the service of this search warrant.   This request was based on facts developed from a long term joint “Burglary Task Force” investigation which indicated that suspects at the residence are involved in several burglaries where drugs or weapons have been stolen, and that some of these subjects may be armed.   It is believed that some of these subjects may have traded firearms for cash and illegal prescription medications.   One of the subjects at the residence is reported to have received specialized weapons training while in the military.    

Given these and other facts, Detectives completed an objective criteria “threat assessment.”  This assessment showed that consultation with WSP, SWAT commander was indicated.  Based on this consultation, WSP and PAPD Detectives completed an operational plan for search warrant service which was executed early in the morning on January 29^th.    A WSP, SWAT unit consisting of 13 personnel were supported by 9 officers from PAPD in the initial execution of the search warrant.  Four subjects were detained at the residence, several handguns were located as well as a Pit Bull, dog.    

Once the residence was deemed “safe”, Detectives began the methodical process of completing the search of the single family residence and detached garage.  During the initial phase of the warrant service, traffic was stopped briefly on West 16 th Street and the Port Angeles Fire Department Ambulance was staged several blocks away.     Miles Keith Stayton was subsequently arrested and booked into the Clallam County Jail and the Olympic Peninsula Burglary Task Force Detectives continue to follow up on leads associated with the case and other burglaries. 

If anyone is suspicious of property that they have recently purchased such as: guns, computers or electronic equipment, and they suspect it may be stolen, they should contact the Olympic Peninsula Burglary Task Force, through their local law enforcement agency. Remember the old saying when buying property, “if deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

NEWS RELEASE

Day & Date:            Thursday, January 28, 2010

Release:  Immediate                                                         Contact:  Sergeant Randy Pieper

 Courthouse Escapee Captured 

A Sequim man, 20 year old Sean Scott Farren, was apprehended at 3:00 am early this morning at an apartment in the Elk Creek Apartments in Sequim.  Farren had escaped custody by fleeing from the Clallam County Courthouse after being remanded into custody at an appearance in the Drug Court in Superior Court on January 21^st . 

Deputies Ralph Edgington, Brian Knutson and Sequim Police Officers Rick Larson and Chris Wright working together obtained a search warrant for an apartment where Farren and his wife were currently staying.  Farren subsequently surrendered without incident and was taken to the Clallam County Correctional Facility. 

PUBLIC NOTICE 

Day & Date:            Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Release:                                                                        Contact:           Sheriff Benedict

 SHERIFF’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

The Sheriff’s Advisory Committee is meeting on Thursday, January 28, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Emergency Operations Center in the basement of the courthouse at 223 E 4^th Street, Port Angeles.  The agenda includes election of officers and confirmation of representatives.  This is an open public meeting.

NEWS RELEASE

 Day & Date:  Monday January 25, 2010                                     Contact:  Sgt Eric Kovatch

Release:  Immediate                                                                                  360-477-0227

 OPNET

 On January 10, 2010, deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department were summoned to a residence in the 100 block of Meridian Way, Chimacum, WA, in unincorporated Jefferson County, regarding a call for service that was not drug related. During the investigation of that incident, deputies developed information that a marijuana growing operation was in an outbuilding at that location. 

The information was given to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department detective that is assigned to the Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team (OPNET). That information was subsequently presented to a Jefferson County Superior Court Judge, who signed a search warrant authorizing a search of the residence and outbuildings at that location. 

On January 25, 2010, OPNET detectives and Jefferson County deputies executed the search warrant. Detectives discovered 341 live marijuana plants in an outbuilding. Processed marijuana was found in that outbuilding and the main residence. 

Taken into custody was Randall L. Heppell, 64 years of age, of Chimacum, WA. Heppell was subsequently booked into the Jefferson County Correctional Facility on the charges of Manufacturing Marijuana and Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Deliver. 

The entire case file will be forwarded to the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office for the formal filing of charges. 

People with information about indoor and outdoor marijuana growing operations can report their information anonymously and receive a reward if that information leads to the arrest of the offender(s). If you do have such information and wish to report it, please call 1-800-388-GROW (4769). 

The attached photograph is of the main grow in one of the outbuildings.  

NEWS RELEASE

Day & Date: Wednesday, January 20, 2010                             Release: Immediate

Contact: Ron Sukert, Jail Superintendent                                      (360) 417-2356

 Corrections Officer Promoted To Sergeant

Clallam County Sheriff Bill Benedict promoted Corrections Officer Don Wenzl to the position of Corrections Sergeant at a ceremony held on Wednesday, January 20^th in the Emergency Operations Center of the Courthouse. Sheriff Benedict noted that the Port Angeles resident has been involved in a number of important department projects and served as the team leader on the MSP Computer during his tenure. Sergeant Wenzl is a 12 year veteran with the Corrections Division of the Sheriff Department.  

Jail Superintendent Ron Sukert who heads the Jail Division for the department said that Wenzl has held most of the assignments positions in the Jail and expressed his full confidence in his supervisory abilities.   

Wenzl is a resident of Port Angeles. He is married with two children. A total of 45 department employees, friends, and well wishers were in attendance. Wenzl replaces Sergeant Al Collins who retired on Tuesday following 30 years of service.

JOINT NEWS RELEASE

Sheriff’s Office & Treasurer’s Office

 Day & Date: Tuesday, January 12, 2010    

Release: Immediate                                                                    

Theft Investigation Continues

The investigation concerning missing funds from the Clallam County Treasurer’s Office that began last July continues. The Washington State Auditor’s Office has completed a review of the Treasury Office records and found in excess of $500,000 (half a million) missing. The audit and investigation was triggered by the action of a county employee in the Treasurer’s Office, who has been terminated by the County.  

The full investigation report is expected to be turned over to the Washington State Attorney General for possible criminal charges by the end of the month. 

Two people were killed in a single engine fixed wing plane crash that occurred shortly after 2 pm on Friday afternoon near the west end of the runway at Sequim Valley Airport located just west of Sequim, according to the Clallam County Sheriff’s Department. 

The deceased have been identified as Carroll B. Larson age 68 of Sequim who was the pilot of the aircraft and his passenger, Robert Reandeau, Sr., age 61, also of Sequim. 

Witnesses say that the plane was conducting a series of touch and go landing type maneuvers, when it crashed nose down into a recently plowed field. There was no fire or explosion involved. The plane, owned by the pilot was a RV8 fixed wing experimental aircraft built in 2008. 

Responding agencies included three fire engines and three paramedic units from the Clallam County Fire District #3, as well as, several units from the Clallam County Sheriff’s Department. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Board are involved in the investigation.

41 year old Julie McGuire was robbed of her change when she walked outside the Safeway store on highway 101 east of Port Angeles early this morning. The woman had just finished shopping at about 1:40 am and was walking to her car with family members. McGuire had shopping bags and about eighty dollars in her hands as she walked to her vehicle. The suspect approached McGuire, yelled her name then grabbed her money and fled on foot. The woman and her family members chased the suspect eventually losing the suspect as he was last seen north on Monroe Road. One of the family members recognized the suspect and provided the information to responding Deputies.

Deputy Eric Munger was able to track the suspect’s location during the subsequent investigation. Deputy Munger, along with Deputies Ralph Edgington, Mark Millet, and Bob Cannon went to a residence on Monroe Road and took the suspect into custody without incident. The money was not recovered. Arrested was 21 year old Christian C. Leigh of Port Angles for Robbery in the second degree and Theft in the third degree.

Sheriff Bill Benedict is proud to announce the selection of Clallam County Sheriff’s Deputy William “Bill” Cortani as the 2009 Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs (WACOPS) Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Deputy Cortani was unanimously chosen for the honor by the WACOPS Executive Board on Friday, December 4th. 

The purpose of the award is to provide recognition of clearly exceptional and outstanding performance of duties, which bring honor and distinction to the officer, their department, and their profession. 

Deputy Cortani was nominated for this prestigious honor after demonstrating outstanding performance of duty, exceptional professional judgement, and conspicuous courage during the investigation of a trespass complaint at a beach front cabin east of Neah Bay on January 19th, 2009. It was there that Deputy Cortani located 59 year old suspect Scott Lincoln Davis who shot Deputy Cortani in the upper left arm and hip. Wounded, Deputy Cortani obtained a position of cover amongst beach logs behind the residence. Davis, meanwhile, armed himself with a shotgun and advanced on Deputy Cortani’s location. Deputy Cortani returned fire with his duty weapon and shot Davis twice, disabling him and halting the threat. Deputy Cortani held Davis at gunpoint for approximately one half hour until the arrival of back-up officers. Deputy Cortani and Davis were airlifted to the Harborview Trauma Unit in Seattle where their injuries were treated. 

The Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs (WACOPS), a professional organization whose primary goal is to protect the rights and quality of life of law enforcement officers, is widely recognized as the largest, oldest, and most influential organization representing law enforcement professionals in the State of Washington. WACOPS is made up ofapproximately 110 law enforcement agencies totaling over 5000 law enforcement officers statewide. 

Deputy Cortani will be awarded with a medallion and a framed certificate detailing the achievements which led to the award. The award will be presented at the WACOPS Winter Membership Meeting in January at the Olympia Red Lion Hotel. For historical record a WACOPS Law Enforcement Officer the Year plaque, bearing Deputy Cortani’s name, will hang in the WACOPS offices in Olympia. 

On May 15th, 2009, Deputy Cortani was recognized by Sheriff Benedict for his actions on January 19th when he was presented with the National Sheriff’s Association Medal of Valor and Purple Heart. 

More information on Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs (WACOPS), and the WACOPS Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award, can be found at www.wacops.org.

Release: immediate                                                                     Contact: CCD Ron Cameron 360-417-2570 360-460-4303

The man that escaped from law enforcement as they searched for stolen property at his residence on 11-20-09 has been captured.

Christopher Ray Ahlstead, 48, of Agnew, was arrested Saturday afternoon by the Portland Area US Marshal’s apprehension unit. The arrest came after Clallam County Detectives, working with other law enforcement agencies, followed numerous leads which lead them to Rainier, Oregon. There, Clallam County Detectives confirmed Ahlstead was residing near the small town near Longview, Washington. However, Ahlstead was not there at the time the detectives identified this location, but enough information was developed to pass on to the Marshal’s Office. The Marshals staked out the residence and arrested Ahlstead on his return Saturday about 3:30 pm.

Ahlstead had two warrants outstanding for his arrest; one for $150,000 and the other for $10,000.

Ahlstead is being held in Oregon at the Columbia County Jail. The extradition will begin to allow his return to face charges in Clallam County. At least seven charges related to stolen property from area construction sites and escape is being considered. This includes the theft of a backhoe type tractor taken from Sequim Bay State Park valued at about $45,000.

On November 18, 2009 the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office was recognized by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chief’s (WASPC) and presented its Accreditation award. The award recognized the Sheriff’s Office as having complied with over 140 best practices and professional standards for law enforcement agencies in Washington State. Clallam County joins six other county sheriff offices in Washington that are currently accredited through WASPC. 

Becoming accredited took almost two years of hard work and perseverance by all department members. Special recognition goes to Chris James, CCSO Administrative Coordinator, for serving as the accreditation manager. Chris spent many long hours organizing, coordinating, and collating the newly revised CCSO Policy Manual. 

Retired Sheriff Steve Kernes (Clallam County Sheriff from 1978 to 1990) played an instrumental role in helping draft the new policy to conform to best law enforcement practices and Washington State law. Sheriff Kernes was responsible for the original accreditation award received by Clallam County in 1988. At that time, Clallam County Sheriff’s Office became the first county in Washington State to become accredited. That accreditation expired in 1996. 

Becoming accredited was one of Sheriff Benedict’s highest priorities upon assuming office in 2007. Proven benefits of WASPC accreditation include:

• State and local acknowledgment of professional competence.

• Increased credibility with governing body.

• Increased pride in the agency.

• Systemized self-assessment.

• Broadened perspectives.

• Intensified administrative and operational effectiveness.

• Confidence that recruitment, selection, and promotion processes are fair and

• Strengthened understanding of agency policies and procedures by all police

• Decreased susceptibility to litigation and costly civil court settlements.

• Potential reduction in premiums for liability insurance.

• Greater public confidence and improved morale in the agency.

The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office is proud to have reached this milestone and will display the Accreditation Plaque in the front lobby of the Sheriff’s Office in the courthouse.

NEWS RELEASE

Day & Date:            11-25-09                                                        

Release: immediate                                                        Contact:  CCD Ron Cameron 
                                                                                                  360-460-4303

 STOLEN PROPERTY / ESCAPE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

The investigation into the construction site theft cases continues as does the search for the main suspect, Christopher Ahlsteadt, 48.  

On Wednesday, Clallam County Detectives, working with patrol deputies, recovered the newer model John Deere 110 4x4 backhoe taken from Sequim Bay State Park earlier this month. The tractor, valued at about $45,000, was located in a wooded area along Old Gardiner Road in Jefferson County.   

Authorities were able to locate the tractor and some other items through continuous follow up and interviews of persons suspected to have information and that may be acquainted with Ahlsteadt. Some of the other items that have been recovered include lumber and other building materials. 

Although Ahlstead is still at large, deputies and detectives have developed some leads that they are following up on that may lead them to Ahlstead’s whereabouts.  A warrant has been issued for Ahlstead’s arrest. 

Clallam County Sheriff’s personnel as well as officers and detectives from the Sequim Police Department continue to work together in recovering stolen property connected with this event.  At least six theft and/or burglary cases have been identified where stolen property has been recovered.

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:                                        Thursday, November 19, 2009 4 PM 

Contact: Jayme Wisecup, Emergency Management                Phone: (360) 417-2525                      

Forecast Predicts More Rain and Wind

The U.S. Weather Forecast for Clallam County says that residents can expect more rain and wind

as the latest in a series of dangerous storms continue to pound the Olympic Peninsula.  Winds along the North Coast of the Pacific Ocean are expected to blow between 35 and 45 miles per hour with potentially higher gusts.

Rainfall is also expected to continue tonight before tapering off through Friday morning. The 24 hour total for the Olympic Peninsula could be between 4 and 6 inches.

The snow level is forecast to rise to 5,500 feet, which will cause melting snow that will add to the already swollen rivers and streams. The continued ground saturation conditions combined with the winds could cause more trees to become uprooted and additional branches to fall.

Temperatures are expected to cool overnight and fall to near 2,000 feet by Friday afternoon. In addition, a High Surf Warning has been posted along the Pacific Coast which could produce waves between 20 and 25 feet in height. The warning will be in effect until 4 am on Friday, November 20^th.

A Flood Warning has been issued for the Bogachiel River near La Push which is expected to crest slightly above its official flood stage of 37 feet. Flood Watches have also been issued for both the Elwha and Dungeness Rivers.  Levels on the two rivers could rise near their flood stage. The Elwha Flood Stage is 20 feet at the MacDonald Bridge on State Route 101. The Official Flood Stage for the Dungeness River is seven feet near the mouth of the river. 

There is also the threat of landslides on the Olympic Peninsula due to adverse weather conditions. That will create the possibility falling trees and limbs that could land on power lines and roads.  These conditions could also cause debris on coastal roads and beaches from possible high tide surges. There is also a Flood Watch for smaller streams on the Olympic Peninsula. Residents living near the affected rivers and streams or drivers traveling near them are advised to monitor conditions and to extra caution to insure their own safety.

Everyone should make the necessary preparations and take safety precautions to protect themselves and property from harm. It is important to take due care and cautions to avoid danger. Citizens are reminded not to drive through standing water or flooded areas. If you encounter dangerous situations that threaten your and anyone else’s safety be sure to call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance. Be sure to have the necessary emergency supplies ready to deal with

hazardous conditions and situations.  Individuals should heed emergency information that can be found on radio and television stations as well as the internet.

The following are additional information sources that you can use:

For more specifics visit:   http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sew/  Click on the words near the color coded key (right side of page) that matches the map coding near your area of interest for reports.

To monitor river levels and conditions visit the following link on the internet: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/wa/nwis/current/?type=flow&group_key=county_cd  

Day & Date: 11-13-09
Release: immediate Contact:                                                                      Sgt. Randy Pieper 360-460-4316
                                                                                                                CCD Ron Cameron 360-460-4303

Deputies responded to the area of Red Deer Drive, off Blue Mountain road at about 2:40 on 11-12-09 to a call of a burglary in progress. Deputies eventually learned that a homeowner came home to find a car parked in the driveway with a female occupant in the passenger seat. As the homeowner got out of their car, a male came from the back of the house with one hand behind his back, claiming to have a gun. The male got into their car and left. As the suspects left, the homeowner recognized items in the car that had been taken from inside the residence. The homeowner also confirmed that the front door had been pried open. 

The homeowner was able to give the deputies excellent description of the people and the vehicle including a license number. As deputies responded to the home, Sgt. Randy Pieper began checking the area along SR101 for the suspects. As he drove by the trailer court at 256832 SR 101, he saw a vehicle matching the description given by the homeowner parked at one of the small trailers. Investigating further, Sgt. Pieper positively identified the vehicle as the car. 

Sgt. Pieper and other deputies had the occupants of the trailer come out and they were identified as Alvin L. Witherspoon, 35, and Violet Conklin, 29. The homeowner was escorted by deputies to the trailer park where Witherspoon, Conklin and the car were positively identified as being at the residence on Red Deer Drive. 

Deputies obtained a search warrant for the trailer as well as the car. The investigators located items that were missing from the homeowners residence. These items included jewelry and pillow cases, likely used for carrying items from the house. No firearm was located.

Alvin Witherspoon was booked into the Clallam County Correctional Facility for Burglary 1st degree and Theft 3rd. Conklin was interviewed and released. 

The suspects in this case were identified and captured very soon after the report due to the excellent observations of the homeowner. Their ability to describe the suspects and the car gave the deputies the information they needed to find the suspect and react. At the same time, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind citizens to be extremely careful when meeting someone in such a situation. Here, the contact with the suspects was unavoidable the way it played out and the homeowner never confronted the suspects. They simply allowed them to leave, taking in as much information through their observations as they could. 

The case has been referred to the Clallam County Prosecutor for review and formal charging.