South-East Regional Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force

On May 12^th, 2016 Stephen J. Castilleja (27) of Prosser Washington, was arrested by investigators of the South-East Regional Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.  Assisting agencies included Kennewick PD, Richland PD, U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. 

A search warrant was executed at Castilleja’s residence.  During the search of Castilleja’s residence, nude photographs depicting what appeared to be a minor child were located. The victim was known to Castilleja.  Castilleja is an employee of the Granger school district.  At this time there is no known correlation with the students of the Granger school district and this investigation. 

Castilleja was booked into the Benton County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing.  Please direct any questions to Lt. Chris Lee, Richland Police Department, chlee@ci.richland.wa.us or 509-554-8352.

Fraud Suspects Arrested

Arrested: 

Millan, Stevee M.; 23 year of age male; Portland OR address

Matamoro-Almaguer, Jesus E.; 30 year of age male; Portland, OR address

Charges:  Identity theft, 1^st Degree Theft

Synopsis:

On April 19, 20, 23 and 24 two males came through the Tri-Cities and used bank account numbers skimmed from local and regional gas station pumps.  The two made several thousands of dollars worth of purchases at area WalGreens and Bulington Coat Factory stores.

Investigators also believe they are actively committing similar frauds throughout the state.

On Friday May 6, 2016 the Richland Police Department learned that the suspects had checked into the Motel 6 at 1771 Fowler.  Investigators responded to the location and arrested Millan and Almaguer without incident.  A search warrant served on their motel room and vehicle recovered several pieces of evidence related to credit/debit card fraud.

Both subjects were booked into the Benton County jail on the above listed charges.

One complication of an investigation of this type is difficulty in identifying victims. Most victims of fraud report the incident to their financial institution but not their local law enforcement agency.  This makes identification of the number of crimes and victims impossible. 

Anyone who believes that they might have been a victim of this series of crimes is encouraged to contact Detective Erik Lundquist at 509-942-7716.

Armed Robbery at Kwik Stop 2110 Swift Blvd, Richland

On Thursday February 11, 2016 at approximately 2252 hours the Kwik Stop at 2110 Swift Blvd, Richland was robbed at gunpoint.  Still photos have been obtained from video which shows 2 subjects enter the store and one subject display what appears to be a handgun.  While the photos are not the best quality the suspects may be identifiable by their clothing.  Both suspects appeared to be wearing masks at the time of the robbery.  The Richland Police Department would like to get these photos out to all the area news stations in hopes of generating suspect information.

Contact Detective Sergeant Carmen Ver Steeg if you have any questions. Email: Cversteeg@ci.richland.wa.us  Phone: 509-942-7545.

 

Welfare check on juvenile near Bateman Island

On February 9th, 2016 at about 09:00 hours Richland officers were dispatched to the area of 1237 Columbia Park Trail on a welfare check.  Officers were told a 9 year of age male was seen in the area of the river by himself and that the juvenile had told the caller he was skipping school.  Officers searched the area for the juvenile locating his father in the process who was also looking for him.  It was suspected the juvenile was hiding on Bateman Island to avoid his father.  Additional officers and resources were called to the area to help search.  The juvenile was located by officers hiding in an adjacent apartment complex parking lot.  He was unharmed and reunited with his family.  

Contact Lt. Chris Lee, 509-942-7614, chlee@ci.richland.wa.us with questions.

Registrations now being accepted for the April Crime Resistant Community Living Class

     The Richland Police Department is now accepting registrations for the Spring Crime Resistant Community Living Course sponsored by KPD, PPD and RPD. The class is being held at the Richland Library located at 955 Northgate Drive, Richland, WA on April 13th from 8 AM to 5 PM. Pre-registration is required. 

     This informative and very popular training for landlords, realtors and property managers is an 8-hour course involving topics such as crime resistant community living, gang & drug recognition, property tenant screening, tenant law and more!  Open to all landlords, realtors and commercial/residential property managers.

Registrations may be mailed to:

Ofc. Rick Kane
Richland Police Department
PO BOX 190, MS-17
Richland, WA 99354

or emailed to rkane@ci.richland.wa.us

Richland Police encourage citizens to be aware of a scam

Synopsis: 

On 02/02/16, Richland officers received complaints of a scam designed to defraud citizens by threatening to have them arrested.  Officers learned the scammers are calling citizens and telling them they represent a Texas-based law firm who has been contracted with “The local law enforcement agency” to collect outstanding debts.  The scammers pressure the citizen by telling them to make a payment to another vendor or they will be arrested within a couple of hours.  The scam is reported to seem more credible because some of the citizen’s information is known by the scammer.

The Richland Police, Kennewick Police, or the Benton County Sheriff’s Office do not contract with any law firms or third party agencies to collect warrant fines in lieu of arrest.

Posted by:

Sgt. Darryl Judge

Richland Police arrest another escaped felon in a stolen vehicle

Arrested:  Brian C. Mares   10/28/79   Seattle area resident

Charges:  Felony warrant for escape (original charge-violation of a court order), auto theft, and resisting arrest

Synopsis:  This morning at about 0645 hours, RPD units were dispatched to an auto theft in the 400 block of Smith.  RPD officers learned the suspect had prowled several vehicles in the area before stealing the vehicle.  The same vehicle was used in different crimes throughout the day in the Tri-Cities Area.

At about 1455 hours, RPD officers located the stolen vehicle in the 2100 block of Trippe Street.  When officers attempted to arrest the male he took off running.  Officers caught the male who physically resisted arrest. 

The male was treated at Kadlec and was eventually booked into the Benton County Jail on the above listed charges.

Other charges will follow once those investigations are complete.

Posted by:  Sgt. Darryl Judge

Richland police arrest two wanted subjects after a disturbance

Arrested: Joshua M. Chavez  09/02/87   &  Kayla M. Monk  05/24/88

Charges:  Chavez-Felony warrant for escape (original charge of robbery)
Monk-Felony warrant for escape (original charge of possession of a controlled substance)

Outstanding suspect male: Casey T. Mallone  08/01/91-Felony warrant for escape (original charge of possession of a stolen vehicle and bail jumping)

Synopsis:

On 01/19/16, at about 0610 hours, Richland Police officers were dispatched to a disturbance at 2550 Duportail #B209.  The caller advised there were three people trying to come back to her residence after they had left earlier.  The caller had socialized with the group earlier in the night.  The caller reported being concerned the trio may try to rob her.

Officers arrived in the area and learned the trio had fled prior to their arrival.  Officers learned the identity of the trio and learned all three were escaped cons who were wanted for felony crimes.  Officers also learned the trio were trying to flee the area.

Officers set up containment of the area and requested assistance from the Kennewick Police Department's K-9 unit and the Benton County Sheriff's deputies.

As the K-9 was arriving, one of the trio, Kayla Monk, surrendered to officers and was arrested without incident.  As the K-9 unit tracked west of the apartment complex, another one of the trio jumped over a fence and surrendered to containment units to avoid being captured by the K-9.  With the assistance of the K-9, officers completed searching the area and were unable to locate the final suspect, Casey T. Mallone. 

Posted by: Sgt. Darryl Judge

Assault with sexual motivation arrest

Arrested: Tho P. Tran a 44 year old male

Charges: Assault with sexual motivation and resisting arrest

Synopsis:  This afternoon, Richland Police Department officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of George Washington Way for a report of an assault which just occurred.  The suspect lured an employee out of a store by asking for help and grabbed her chest when she exited.

Officers recognized the description given of the suspect from a similar report they investigated earlier in the week.

Officers located the suspect walking southbound in the 1700 block of Jadwin.  After completing their investigation, officers placed the suspect under arrest.  The suspect resisted arrest.  After gaining control of the suspect, officers booked the male into the Benton County Jail.

Posted by: Sgt. Darryl Judge

Attempted Buglary--Man with a Sword

On 01-05-2016 at about 2:48 p.m., Richland Police responded to the area of Williams Blvd. and Stevens Dr. for a 911-reported suspicious male with a sword call.  Updated information placed the male at the CUP Church and in the area of a daycare.  The male, later identified as twenty-nine-year-old Steven L. Houtrouw, was attempting to force entry into the building by pounding on the exterior windows and doors of the daycare with the sword.  The daycare was placed into a Critical Lockdown and Houtrouw walked from the area.

RPD officers began searching the area and located Houtrouw in the 1100 block of Long Ave. at Christ the King School.  The male was still wielding the katana-style sword and appeared to be an emotionally disturbed person (EDP).  Christ the King School was placed into a Critical Lockdown.

Officers attempted to calm Houtrouw down and gain control of him, but he refused to put the sword down.  Houtrouw expressed thoughts of suicidal ideation and yelled at the officers to shoot him.  Unable to de-escalate the emotionally charged Houtrouw, Officers deployed ECW’s (AKA Taser’s) on Houtrouw.  Houtrouw dropped the sword and was taken to the ground by Officers, where he continued to resist efforts to control him.  Additional Officers arrived and Houtrouw was taken into custody without further incident.

Once Houtrouw is medically cleared at Kadlec, he will be booked into the Benton County Jail on multiple charges for the attempted Burglary and Weapons violations.  The case will be forwarded for evaluation by Designated Mental Health Professionals.

Questions or comments can be directed to Lt. Curtis Smith at csmith@ci.richland.wa.us. 

Administrator Arrested for Custodial Sexual Misconduct

Arrested:  Stoker, Mindi M; 38 year of age female, Pasco resident

Charges:  Custodial Sexual Misconduct 1st Degree, Custodial Sexual Misconduct 2^nd Degree

 Synopsis:

On December 7, 2015 Richland Police were notified of a possible incident involving a staff member at the Twin River’s Community Facility, 605 McMurray Street.  Twin Rivers is a juvenile rehabilitation administration facility staffed by employees of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).  It houses minors who have been convicted of felony crimes throughout Washington State.  Mindi Stoker is the acting Community Facility Administrator for Twin Rivers.

The complaint alleged that a staff member, Mindi Stoker, had sexual contact with an 18 year old resident.  Complaints of this nature are typically processed through Child Protective Services (CPS) since the facilities are licensed to house juveniles.  CPS referred the incident to Richland PD for a criminal investigation. A detective from the Washington State Patrol is also involved in investigating part of the case.

The investigation revealed that Stoker had communicated in several different formats with a client housed at Twin Rivers.  Messages contained information of a sexually explicit nature. It appears that the contact had been going on since at least October, 2015. 

The two had sexual contact on a number of different outings and trips taken together.  On some of the excursions other individuals were present and observed inappropriate contact.  The two had sex at least once in the facility located at 605 McMurray St.

A search warrant was served and a phone and computer seized.  Evidence found on the cellular phone supported the initial allegation.  A number of interviews have been conducted with staff and clients of Twin Rivers.

On December 8, 2015 RPD Detective Jansen contacted the Benton County Prosecutor’s Office.  After being briefed on the case, they authorized a 72 hour hold for Stoker.

Stoker was contacted at her residence in Pasco and taken into custody without incident.  She was booked into the Benton County jail on the above listed charges.  The investigation into this incident is continuing.

Media contacts are encouraged to call Cpt. Mike Cobb, 942-7362, with any questions.

Richland Police arrest burglars

Synopsis:

Richland Police Officers arrested a 17 year old male after tying him to 6 commercial burglaries and two malicious mischief incidents.  Two accomplices were arrested on one of the burglaries. 

Officers have been investigating a string of commercial burglaries since the end of September which have been mostly focused in the central business district.  Officers were able to collect physical evidence from the burglaries and matched evidence found on/with the suspect when he was arrested.

During the subsequent interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crimes which were corroborated by the investigations.

Submitted by Sgt. Darryl Judge

Weapon Violation

Synopsis:

On November 17, 2015 at about 8:30 PM Richland Police received several calls of shots being fired near the 1500 block of George Washington Way (between Torbett St. and Van Giesen).

Responding officers searched the area and found approximately 15 shell casings from a 9mm semi-automatic pistol.  The shell casings were in the parking lot of the M Hotel, 1515 GWW.

Assistance was requested from a Kennewick PD K-9 unit.  The area was searched by patrol officers and the KPD K-9.  No firearm or additional evidence was located and no impact point for the 9mm bullets was found.

The investigation is continuing and additional details will be released if they become available.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Richland PD by calling 509-628-0333.

Our media partners should call Cpt. Mike Cobb, 509-942-7362, with any questions.

Home Invasion Burglary

On November 8, 2015 at approximately 9:10 PM five male subjects entered an unlocked residence in the 1100 block of Benham Street.  They were armed with weapons that included shotguns, pepper spray and a baseball bat.  The male subjects were dressed in dark, hooded sweat shirts, baggy pants and were wearing dark ski masks over their faces.

One suspect told the female occupant that she was being robbed and ordered her to the floor.  She refused and tried to confront the men.  One victim told officers that at least one subject cycled the action of a shotgun and reported hearing the trigger being pulled.  A second occupant also tried to engage the suspects and was pepper sprayed in the face.

The subjects eventually fled out of the house and ran north on Douglass Ave.  They got into a vehicle described as a 4 door passenger car (unknown make) with tinted windows that was dark in color.  The victims believed the suspects to be white or Hispanic males in their 20’s.  They spoke with no discernible accents and ranged in height from 5’5” to 6’00” tall.

A K-9 officer was requested and Pasco PD responded.  A brief track led north but did not conclude with any suspects or evidence being located.

Responding officers found a 12 GA shotgun shell on the floor of the victim’s living room.  The round had not been fired.  The shotgun shell was collected as evidence.

A neighborhood canvass produced one witness who the victims contacted and asked to call 911.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Richland Police at 628-0333.

Contact Cpt. Mike Cobb, 509-942-7362, with questions.

Subject Arrested for Displaying Replica Handgun

Arrested:  Wilkie, Justin J.; 21 year of age male, Tonasket address
Charges:  13 arrest warrants, Unlawful Display of a Weapon

On October 26, 2015 at about 12:35 AM officers received a call of a male subject displaying a handgun at another individual at 1540 Jadwin (7-11).  The suspect left the area with several other people in a vehicle.

The vehicle was located near the area of Van Giesen and Birch in Richland.  Wilkie was a passenger in the car.  When he was contacted he still had what appeared to be a pistol tucked into the waist band of his pants.  The weapon turned out to be a Taurus BB gun that had the appearance of a semi-automatic handgun.

Wilke and another subject had gotten into a confrontation at the 7-11.  Wilkie lifted his shirt and displayed the pistol to the other individual with the intention of intimidating him.  The victim stated that he believed the gun and threat presented by Wilkie to be real.

It was discovered that Wilkie also had 13 warrants issued for his arrest from both Benton County District and Superior Courts.  He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Benton County jail.

Contact Cpt. Mike Cobb, 509-942-7362 for additional information.

Arrested:  Jones, Richard R.; 60 year of age male, Richland resident
Charges:  Assault 2nd degree, Felony harassment

Synopsis:

On October 23, 2015 Richland officers received a call of an assault that had just occurred in the area of Waldron Street and George Washington Way.  A male subject had gone to a home of a friend and was assisting with some computer repairs.  Jones, a tenant in the home, began arguing with the victim and calling him names.  Jones demanded that the victim leave the house.  The home owner told the victim that he didn't have to leave and asked that he continue to work on her computer.

Jones left for a short time and returned with a pistol.  He pointed the handgun at the victim's chest and told him repeatedly that it was loaded.  Jones restated his earlier demand for the subject to leave or he would kill him.  The victim left the residence.

Police contacted the homeowner and confirmed the series of events related to investigators by the victim.  The homeowner also confirmed the presence of her elderly, bedridden mother.  Due to the risks posed by intervening while the two females were still inside the home, officers waited until this morning to contact Jones.  The elderly female had been taken from the home early this morning for medical treatment.

Jones was contacted in the back yard of the house and taken into custody without incident.  He was booked into the Benton County jail on the above charges.

A search warrant was served on the residence and officers found a revolver that is believed to be the weapon used in the assault.

Contact Cpt. Mike Cobb, 509-942-7362, for additional in formation.

Richland Police Department Drug Take Back Day Saturday, September 26th from 10 AM to 2 PM

     The Richland Police Department's DEA Drug Take Back event is this Saturday, September 26th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  The event is being held at the police station located at 871 George Washington Way.  We will be accepting prescription and over the counter medications. Needles will not be accepted.

For more information on the initiative visit:
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/

Chill With a Cop on October 2nd From 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Richland Country Mercantile

     Please join Chief Chris Skinner and his staff for Chill With a Cop on October 2nd from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Richland Country Mercantile located at 5015 Ava Way, Richland, WA.  Join your neighbors and police staff for ice cream and conversation.  No agenda, or speeches; just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know your local officer's and Chief Skinner.

     For those unfamiliar with the location an easy way to find the location is via I-82.  Take the Dallas Rd exit and follow the store signs.

Search Warrants Recover Stolen Property

Arrested:  Pitman, Jeremy W, 33 year of age male, Transient

Arrested:  Moore, Jereme S, 34 year of age male, West Richland resident

Synopsis:
Richland Police investigators have been working on leads from several commercial and residential burglaries for the past 7-10 days.  Pitman had been identified as a viable suspect in several of the crimes under investigation. 

On September 15, 2015 at about 11:00 AM patrol units responded to a call in the 1600 block of Butternut Ave for a suspicious person.  Witnesses had observed a male in the area going onto a neighbor’s property.  The witness noted that he was not familiar with the subject as being seen in the neighborhood before and found is suspicious when he stepped up onto an object and began peering through the windows of the home.

Responding officers found an open window that had a screen removed.  Officers found Pitman hiding in the basement.  He was arrested without incident.  His arrest lead to additional search warrants and the recovery of a large amount of stolen property.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for 10 N. 46^th Ave. in West Richland. A 12 gauge shotgun, an assault rifle and a handgun were among the items stolen in recent burglaries and believed to be in the house.  Due to the threat posed by the location, possible weapons and the criminal history of the occupants the Tri-City Regional SWAT team assisted Richland and West Richland officers serve the warrant early this morning.

Jereme Moore was located inside.  He was taken into custody on Possession of Stolen Property charges.  Both subjects have been booked into the Benton County jail.

A large number of stolen items were found at the location.  The scene is still being processed by investigators from RPD and WRPD.  Items include electronics, wire, yard maintenance equipment and a significant number of hand tools that appear to have been stolen from construction sites.  No weapons have been found at this time.

More information will be published as it becomes available.

Contact Cpt. Mike Cobb, 509-942-7362 for additional information.

Improvised Explosive Devices Found

X-Ray Photo of Improvised Explosive Device

 On September 14, 2015 at approximately 11:56 PM Richland Police were dispatched to a call of a vehicle fire in the area of the 100 block of Riverwood St.  A witness who heard glass breaking came out and saw a passenger car on fire.  He discharged a fire extinguisher into the interior and knocked the fire down.  Richland firefighters finished putting the fire out.   

Responding officers found a tennis ball on the driver’s seat of the vehicle.  It appeared that the tennis ball had been filled with some type of substance that caused it to explode and ignite the interior of the vehicle.

RPD officers began searching the neighborhood and found that another window had been broken out.  They found what appeared to be an explosive device inside a pick up.  The device was the size of a ping pong ball, filled with BB’s and had nails affixed to the outside.  The device also had a partially burned fuse attached.  Officers secured the area and called for the RPD Bomb Squad and an Arson investigator.  Bomb techs were able to render the device safe.

There were a number of other vehicles (approximately 12) in the area that sustained damage to windows or the exterior. 

The investigation is continuing.  Anyone with information is asked to call Richland Police at 509-942-7340.

For additional information, contact Cpt. Mike Cobb at 509-942-7362.