By GEORGE KUNKE
A local warrant suspect, Timothy Sean Clifford, was arrested near the bank of the Willapa River after a lengthy foot chase in the downtown area of Raymond Monday afternoon. The Raymond Police Department (RPD) received a request for assistance from the Department of Corrections (DOC) in locating Clifford, 29, in the area of 124 Commercial St. in Raymond.
Eventually Clifford was located by employees of the Pitchwood. Clifford had been hiding under the building. Employees gave chase and informed officers. Clifford then fled onto the Weyerhaueser sawmill site with officers in chase. Officers were further assisted by Weyco employees. Clifford jumped into the Willapa River to avoid capture and then swam back to shore where he was apprehended by officers.
The chase started when Clifford took off from a friend's house in Raymond when the DOC appeared while checking on an unrelated matter with another client. Clifford had an outstanding warrant out on him so he took off on foot. The DOC informed the Raymond Police of his whereabouts.
Multiple units from the RPD and the South Bend Police Department began checking the area for Clifford's whereabouts.
Employees at the Pitchwood told police that Clifford might be in a crawl space under the building that had about 6 inches of water in it, but after searching with flashlights, he could not be seen.
Raymond Police Chief provided the Herald with a detailed report of what took place.
“About twenty minutes later, they heard loud noises under there,” Spoor said. “He had kicked the door open and was running down the street. They gave chase after him and called us.
“The chase then went to the Weyerhaueser compound where we cornered him against the river. He jumped in the river. I guess he was going to swim over to Riverdale, but he thought better of it and came back and we arrested him.”
Citizens reported seeing Clifford in downtown Raymond along Commercial and Franklin streets and near the library.
“A lot of citizens gave tips and pointed us in the right direction,” Spoor said.
Spoor added, “The Raymond Police Department would like to thank the many citizens that assisted us during this call. It was this teamwork that allowed us to capture this suspect safely.”
The Pacific County Sheriff's Office also assisted on the capture of Clifford.
Clifford was booked into the Pacific County Jail and charged with 2 counts, including a community custody violation and the outstanding warrant for failure to comply. He's in jail with bail set at $5,100.
Chief Spoor added, “He basically got of prison and he never reported to his probation officer, and he also had a warrant out of North District Court.”
Chief Spoor said that Clifford is originally from South Bend, but that he does not know where he currently resides.
Car Prowls in Raymond
Spoor also advised for citizens to keep their vehicles and houses locked. He told the Herald that there were about 10 vehicle prowls on The Island with people reporting that change and a couple of electronics items were taken.