Crime and Injury Report 08.14.13

Collisions & Injuries

Winlock officer injured in motorcycle collision
A Winlock reserve officer has been hospitalized after a motorcycle collision near Chehalis Aug. 7, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Officer Randy Steger, 29, had been traveling westbound on SR 6, west of Chehalis, on a 2007 Harley Davidson when he attempted to pass a 1984 Chevrolet pickup that had slowed to make a left-hand turn. Steger struck the driver’s side of the truck, suffering a laceration to his foot, though neither the 22-year-old driver of the truck nor the 20-year-old passenger, both of Centralia, were injured.

Steger was transported to Harborview Medical Center and, in a statement released shortly after the collision, Winlock Police Chief asked community members for the prayers and support.

He has most recently been listed in stable condition and received a citation from WSP for unsafe passing.

Arrests & Referrals

Winlock man booked after fleeing deputies
A Winlock man was arrested for an outstanding warrant after attempting to elude police Aug. 6, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

Justus J. Kohlenberg, 41, was arrested on the 500 block of Shannon Lewis Ln. after deputies arrived to serve a Department of Corrections warrant as well as question him about a vehicle collision earlier that day not far from his residence. He reportedly fled from authorities into the woods nearby but was captured and booked into the Lewis County Jail on his warrant as well as resisting arrest.

Winlock man booked after Toledo wreck
A Winlock man has been booked on multiple charges after leaving the scene of a wreck near Toledo Stunday, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

Barry J. Bolger, 44, had been traveling on the 100 block of Kangas Rd., east of Toledo, when he left the roadway and struck a speed limit sign and fence, causing major damage to the front and driver’s side of his 1985 Chevrolet pickup. A witness then approached Bolger and his 36-year-old female passenger, also from Winlock, and Bolger asked if he and the passenger could have a ride to a nearby residence. The witness obliged and, when Bolger returned to the scene, he was questioned and then arrested by deputies without incident.

Bolger was booked into the Lewis County Jail for hit-and-run, first-degree negligent driving, second-degree driving while license suspended and driving without a required ignition interlock device.

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.

New vehicle prowl reported in Vader
Another car prowl has been reported in Vader after deputies rounded up those thought responsible for a rash of thefts earlier this month.

A 73-year-old resident on the 800 block of 9th St. reported Saturday someone had broken into his unlocked pickup between Thursday and Saturday and stole an electric tire gague with black case, a maroon-colored GPS unit and the keys to an RV.

The estimated loss is $140 and those experiencing similar crimes are encouraged to call 911.