Crime and Injury Report 11.13.13

Collisions & Injuries

Faulty vehicle leads to wreck near Winlock

A mechanical failure has been credited for a collision near Winlock Nov. 6, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

The 20-year-old male driver of a 1991 Nissan 3ZX had been traveling on the 100 block of Meier Rd., north of Winlock, when he began making a right turn onto Highway 12. The vehicle began stalling and, after the driver applied the gas pedal, began to fishtail and ran off the road.

There were no injuries to report and the vehicle suffered minor damage.

Local teen safe after running stop sign

A local teen is safe after running off the road near Winlock Thursday, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

A 16-year-old male, from Napavine, in a 1995 Ford Ranger had been traveling north on N. Military Rd., east of Winlock, when he crossed the intersection with Koontz Rd. without observing the stop sign.

His vehicle ran into an embankment, causing minor damage to the truck and no reportable injuries to the driver.

One dead after Toledo-area collision

A Vancouver man is dead and another could face charges after a collision with a utility pole near Toledo Sunday night, according to the Washington State Patrol.

A 1991 Honda Accord driven by Jonathon K. Reno, 42, of Vancouver, had been speeding south on Jackson Hwy. near the intersection with Ray Rd., south of Toledo, when he struck a guardrail, causing his vehicle to swerve and cross the center line.

He lost control and impacted a utility pole against the passenger side door, killing his passenger, Adam W. Newstrom, 28, of Vancouver. Newstrom’s survivors had been notified of the event earlier that evening.

A news release stated the cause of the crash remains under investigation, with drugs and/or alcohol expected to have played a role.

Reno was transported by helicopter to Peace Health Southwest Medical Center, in Longview, with unspecified injuries, while possible charges related to the collision remain pending.

The vehicle was considered totaled and towed from the scene.

Arrests & referrals

Felon busted with stolen car, firearm in Vader

A Portland resident has been arrested on theft charges following suspicious activity in Vader Nov. 6, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

Dominick J. Perry, 36, had been seen driving from a residence on E St., which deputies had been asked to keep an eye on, and was "acting suspiciously" as he left the property.

A traffic stop was affected and Perry, as well as his 34-year-old female passenger, indicated they were from the Portland area. A registration check of the 1986 Mazda RX7 Perry was driving revealed the car had been reported stolen in Portland Nov. 3 and Perry was placed under arrest.

A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a Glock, Model 17, 9mm handgun with loaded 30-round magazine was hidden under the driver’s seat, and had been reported stolen from Portland Oct. 24.

Perry was booked into the Lewis County Jail for possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a stolen firearm and felon in possession of a firearm, as he has been described as receiving multiple felony convictions.

The passenger is believed to not have had knowledge of either the firearm’ presence or the vehicle’s stolen status and was resealed.

"Considering Mr. Perry’s history, this situation could have ended much differently," stated Commander Steve Aust of the dangerous encounter, crediting deputies involved with "excellent" work.

Ongoing Investigations

Those with information about ongoing investigations are encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at (360) 740-1266 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-748-6422.

Investigators seeking help with metal theft

Investigators are seeking the public’s help in solving a metal theft taking place in Chehalis last month, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

It was reported Oct. 16 someone had stolen 800 feet of copper wire from a street light installation project on the 2000 block of Louisiana Ave., north of Chehalis. The estimated loss of the wire, which had been sealed in green, white and black insulation, is $8,000.

Those with information are encouraged to contact the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office at (360) 748-9286 or, to leave an anonymous tip for a possible cash reward of as much as $1,000, call Lewis County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-748-6422.

Warrants & Sentencing

Once warrant was issued by Judge Steven Buzzard during Winlock Municipal Court Thursday.

A $5,000 warrant was issued for the arrest of Jeffrey G. Wilson, 48, after failing to appear for a compliance review related to his earlier conviction of DUI.