Cowlitz County Police Blotter 2/13/26 – 2/19/26

The scanners were extra busy, and many fires were dealt with. This week, we toast the firefighters and EMTs, who are often overshadowed by men and women in blue. 49 people were booked into jail, which is average, but it looks like an extra-long roster because some had as many as 9 or 10 charges.

Worst Crime – Robert David Hyatt III, THEFT 2nd DEGREE > $750, CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY- FELONY, RETAIL THEFT W/ CIRCUMSTANCES, CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE KNOW POSSES. This is a good reminder that organized theft rings are operating in our area, and to stay vigilant.

Highest Bail – Jeffery Lee Byrum at $23,000, all stemming from controlled substance charges. Dealing drugs … perhaps.

More Glue Sniffing – Zachary Stan Stefonek was arrested again for sniffing glue. This is the third glue sniffing charge we’ve seen. Stefonek was arrested for it in January, and Ciara Cathy Cothren was arrested for it in Dec., 2025. This is a serious cry for help … if someone is so desperate for a high they sniff glue.

Castle Rock – Follow-up on reported juvenile assault. Deputies were requested to make contact regarding a reported juvenile assault that was said to have occurred the previous day. The follow-up was directed to a location on Warren Street Southwest in Castle Rock. 2/21/2026 08:02 AM

Castle Rock – Woman unresponsive and possibly choking near 5th Avenue. Emergency responders were dispatched to an apparent medical emergency on 5th Avenue in Castle Rock involving a 28-year-old woman who was initially reported as unresponsive and possibly choking. Bystanders reportedly began CPR before emergency units arrived on scene. 2/21/2026 07:54 AM

Castle Rock – Fifth-wheel trailer fire visible from freeway. Emergency units responded to a fifth-wheel trailer fire near Winfield Drive in Castle Rock. Multiple fire engines, tenders, and medic teams were dispatched after reports of visible smoke from Arlington Avenue and the nearby freeway. The fire was described as possibly reckless burning, and crews arrived to assess the situation. Units arrived to find a fully engulfed fifth wheel (RV/trailer), with 2–3 other trailers catching fire and possibly a fourth involved. Firefighters knocked down the fire quickly (reported under control by around 7:52 AM, with the incident under investigation by 8:48 AM). Involved trailers/RVs responders handled it effectively with no further major updates indicating injuries or ongoing threats. 2/21/2026 07:14 AM

Kalama – Man repeatedly approaches children at Kress Lake. Deputies responded to reports of a man lingering in the parking area at Kress Lake along Old Pacific Highway. The man was reportedly talking to children and behaving unusually. Officers checked vehicle information and coordinated additional units to assess the situation. 2/21/2026 03:35 PM

Kalama – Masked men banging on doors in neighborhood. Deputies responded to reports of two masked individuals running through a residential area on Stepping Stone Street in Kalama. The caller reported that the men were banging on doors, and one was captured on a doorbell camera before splitting up in opposite directions. Officers are investigating the possible suspicious activity. 2/21/2026 12:47 AM

Kalama – Car found down embankment near Martins Bluff Road. Emergency units were dispatched to a possible injury crash involving a two-door car with a blue stripe that went down an embankment near Martins Bluff Road. The vehicle appeared unoccupied, aid was sent to the scene. 2/16/2026 11:28 AM

Kelso – Vehicle fire with person screaming near Hoffler Road. Fire units responded to a vehicle fire near Haussler Road in Kelso. A male could be heard screaming in the area. The situation was managed by emergency crews, and exact details remain unknown. 2/17/2026 04:22 AM

Kelso – Female reportedly suicidal near S 4th Ave with firearm. Deputies responded to a possible welfare concern at a residence on South Fourth Avenue in Kelso after receiving reports of a woman who appeared suicidal and had shared a message online showing a firearm. Law enforcement made contact with the woman, who reportedly appeared calm when they arrived. 2/15/2026 05:33 PM

Kelso – Possible burglary at home on Sunrise Street. Police in Kelso were dispatched to a residence on Sunrise Street after a caller reported an open back door and clothing scattered across the yard. The residents were known to be away, and there were no unfamiliar vehicles present. Officers arrived to check the property for signs of unauthorized entry. 2/21/2026 05:09 PM

Kelso – Commercial alarm at Barnes Elementary school. Deputies responded to a possible commercial alarm activation near Barnes Elementary School on Barnes Street in Kelso. The alert may have originated from the small courtyard area of the property, though details are unknown. 2/21/2026 06:40 AM

Longview – Armed Robbery at Don Pedro’s Restaurant on Oregon Way. An armed robbery occurred at Don Pedro’s restaurant located at 437 Oregon Way. A white male suspect, described as being in his mid-thirties, tall and skinny, wearing a green mask, gray hoodie or sweatshirt, and blue pants, entered the restaurant and stole money while armed with a small handgun. The suspect fled on foot toward a nearby hotel and was later believed to have moved southbound through the alley behind Don Pedro’s. Law enforcement units established a four-block containment perimeter and coordinated pursuit efforts. A vehicle matching the suspect’s description was later stopped, and officers confirmed that the passenger matched the suspect’s appearance. Officers arranged for the victim to identify the suspect from a patrol vehicle. 2/8/2026 10:11 PM

Longview – Resident injured in assault at Canterbury Gardens. An apparent assault occurred between residents at Canterbury Gardens, on 3rd Avenue in Longview. One resident was injured and required medical attention, while another person reportedly became combative. Deputies and medics responded to the scene. 2/15/2026 04:32 PM

Longview – Pedestrian struck by vehicle near Commerce and Hudson. Emergency crews responded to a possible vehicle‑pedestrian collision near Hudson Street and Commerce Avenue in Longview. A male pedestrian was reported conscious, speaking, and treated on scene for a suspected hip injury. Law enforcement and medical units investigated the incident. 2/11/2026 04:07 PM

Longview – Elderly man reports wife missing after assault. Authorities responded to reports of a missing elderly woman who may have left her home on foot after a domestic dispute near William Street in Longview. She was last seen possibly walking toward a nearby hospital. The situation involves medical and welfare concerns, and the details remain unconfirmed. 2/19/2026 07:22 PM

Longview – House fire with smoke from pool area in Longview. Fire crews in Longview, Washington, responded to a reported two-story residential structure fire, with smoke visible near a pool area. Multiple engines, tenders, and command units operated under an offensive strategy, establishing incident command at the scene. The response included reinforcement from nearby stations, and personnel worked to contain the fire and ensure safety on all sides of the building. 2/22/2026 01:41 PM

Longview – Store employee assaulted by group of young men. Officers responded to a reported assault at a retail store on Ocean Beach Highway in Longview. Several young male suspects reportedly fled the scene toward a nearby restaurant in a white sedan, initially described as a Toyota and later updated to a Chevy Malibu with an Oregon license plate. The victim was said to be near the garden entrance area, and officers reviewed possible video footage to identify the suspects. 2/10/2026 08:07 PM

Longview – Teen student overdoses at R.A. Long High School. Emergency personnel responded to a possible drug overdose involving a 15-year-old student at R A Long High School (Longview). Narcan was administered, and aid responded to the nurse’s office. The student was initially reported unconscious; later radio traffic indicated he became conscious. 2/20/2026 01:16 PM

Longview – Stabbing victim linked to vehicle at Cottonwood Place. Officers in Longview responded to reports of a vehicle connected to a possible stabbing near Cottonwood Place. Medical and fire units were dispatched to stage nearby for the victim. The suspect vehicle was located, and units maintained observation until the scene was secure. 2/13/2026 08:21 AM

Longview – Person returning stolen items to Fred Meyer store. Officers responded to a possible theft-related incident at a retail store near Ocean Beach Highway in Longview. A person previously trespassed from the location was reportedly returning stolen property. 2/18/2026 12:20 PM

Vader/Toledo – Caller reports kidnapping by rideshare driver on I-5. Dispatch received a report from a caller who appeared to have limited English skills, stating they were being kidnapped by a ride-share driver while traveling toward Portland to purchase a vehicle. Units were sent near Highway 57 South (Begins at SR 273 (near Vader) and ends at SR 17 (near Toledo). After location data showed the vehicle had stopped. Details remain unconfirmed, law enforcement responded. 2/12/2026 01:47 PM

Woodland – Car spins out and faces wrong way on highway bridge. Authorities responded to a single-vehicle incident on the south end of the North Fork Lewis River Bridge, where a green Mitsubishi sedan reportedly spun out and came to rest facing the wrong direction. No collisions were reported, and responders worked to clear debris and ensure traffic safety in the area. 2/22/2026 10:47 AM

Woodland – Commercial burglary alarm at Builders FirstSource. Authorities responded to a possible commercial burglary alarm at a business building on Schurman Way. The alarm activated at approximately 17:36, and the activation point was reported as the dispatch entry door. No suspect information was available at the time of the report. 2/20/2026 05:39 PM

Woodland – Residential Structure Fire at 220 Wallace Road. Fire crews responded to a reported structure fire at 220 Wallace Road in Cowlitz County, Washington. The incident involved a two-story residence where a pool heater reportedly exploded, igniting a fire inside the house. All occupants were evacuated, though firearms, ammunition, and a cat remained inside. Responding units observed smoke from the pool area and initiated an offensive fire attack. Command was established by Engine 29, and the incident was upgraded to a full alarm. Crews pulled a hand line to suppress the fire, focusing on the basement and pool area. The situation was brought under control following an offensive strategy. 2/22/2026 01:27 PM

Woodland – Outbuilding fire on Guild Road in Woodland. Fire and medic units were dispatched to a reported outdoor or outbuilding fire near Guild Road in Woodland. Several engines, tenders, and a battalion were sent as part of a priority two response. Fire crews in Clark County, Washington, responded to a structure fire involving active flames at the Bravo–Charlie corner of a building. Truck One conducted roof ventilation while Engine One and Engine Six worked on fire suppression and interior search. Power lines on the Bravo side were identified and secured to ensure firefighter safety. The incident involved multiple units to control the fire and mitigate electrical hazards. 2/22/2026 04:14 PM