Astoria Police Department

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Their courage, dedication, and selfless service protect the freedoms we enjoy every day.

From all of us at the Astoria Police Department, thank you to our fallen heroes and to the families who carry their legacy forward.

Please celebrate safely and never forget those who gave everything for our nation.

05/23/2026

PRESS RELEASE

On May 23, 2026, at approximately 9:03 a.m., Astoria Dispatch received a 911 report of a male subject swinging a large machete and yelling at another individual in the 1300 block of Commercial Street. One officer contacted the victim while a second officer searched the area for the suspect, who was located near 11th Street and Duane Street.

During the initial contact, Mr. Valero was calm and cooperative. Astoria officers are familiar with him and had previously established a positive rapport. When the second officer arrived and informed Mr. Valero that he was being detained for disorderly conduct, he attempted to walk away and stated that he was not under arrest.

As officers attempted to detain him, Mr. Valero punched one of the officers. Officers disengaged to create distance and attempted to de-escalate the situation. Mr. Valero then moved his backpack to the front of his body and placed his hand on a large knife. Officers deployed less-lethal tools, including a TASER and pepper spray, in an effort to gain compliance. Mr. Valero ultimately threw the knife to the ground and was taken into custody without further incident. He was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital for medical clearance and was later lodged at the Clatsop County Jail.

This incident quickly escalated into a potentially deadly force encounter. The officers involved demonstrated significant restraint, professionalism, and sound judgment while continuing efforts to de-escalate the situation and safely resolve the incident without serious injury to Mr. Valero, the officers, or members of the public.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is asked to contact Sergeant Litwin with the Astoria Police Department at 503-325-4411 or by email at [email protected].

If you witness someone experiencing a mental health crisis or need assistance, please contact the Clatsop Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 503-325-5724, or call 911.

05/23/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Astoria Police Officers responded to the Megler Bridge after receiving reports that a male had stopped his vehicle and jumped over the side. A 35-year-old Astoria man was recovered from the Columbia River approximately nine minutes later.

On May 22, 2026, at approximately 8:24 p.m., Astoria Dispatch received a report from a motorist regarding a disabled vehicle at the highest point of the Megler Bridge. The caller advised that the driver had exited the vehicle and was standing near the railing. Dispatch then received an additional report stating that the male had jumped from the bridge.

One Astoria Police officer responded directly to the bridge while two additional officers responded to Pier 1 below. Port Security personnel and the two officers launched a Port of Astoria vessel and were guided to the victim by the officer positioned on the bridge. The victim was recovered from the Columbia River at approximately 8:35 p.m. CPR was initiated while returning to the dock, where personnel from the Astoria Fire Department and Medix were standing by. Despite lifesaving efforts by all responders, the victim could not be revived.

The Astoria Police Department would like to thank the Port of Astoria, Oregon State Police, Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Medical Examiner, Astoria Fire Department, and Medix for their assistance during this incident.

We also extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who passed away this evening.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Officer Khamphouy of the Astoria Police Department at 503-325-4411 or by email at [email protected].

05/22/2026

On 05/21/2026 at approximately 10:37 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of 30th Street and Grand Avenue regarding a reported burglary. The suspect was located and arrested, and the victim's stolen items were recovered.

During the investigation, officers located additional items in the suspect’s possession that did not belong to the victim. We believe there may have been another burglary in the area.

If you live nearby and have exterior security cameras that may have captured suspicious activity, or if you recognize any of the recovered items, please contact Officer Bradley at (971) 286-8807 or via email at [email protected].

05/20/2026

05/19/2026

ATTENTION:
The City of Astoria Public Works Department is working with a consultant to evaluate multiple intersections for potential improvements for both short-term and long-term operations.

This week the consultant will be onsite installing equipment near the following locations to observe vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian activity as part of their analysis:

7th St & Niagara Ave
8th St & Niagara Ave
15th St & Niagara Ave
14th St & Jerome Ave
15th St & Jerome Ave.

All work is expected to be completed and equipment removed by Saturday, May 23rd.

05/12/2026

ASTORIA POLICE DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT PEDESTRIAN SAFETY ENFORCEMENT OPERATION MAY 19, 2026

On May 19, 2026, the Astoria Police Department will have extra officers on duty participating in a pedestrian safety enforcement program in conjunction with Oregon Impact. This enforcement effort will focus on drivers that fail to yield to an officer who is acting as a pedestrian that is crossing at marked and unmarked crosswalks. Additionally, officers will be watching for vehicles that pass another vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk. Officers will be enforcing other traffic violations that are witnessed during this enforcement period. The fine for failing to stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian or for passing a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk for a pedestrian is $265.00.

Some of the crosswalks that officers could be focusing on are Klaskanine/7th, West Marine/Bay, Irving/16th, and Lief Erikson/37th.

The goal of the Astoria Police Department in participating in this enforcement is to increase the safety of all pedestrians and drivers in and around the City of Astoria. The enforcement project is paid for with money awarded to the Astoria Police Department by Oregon Impact and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

If you have any questions about this project, feel free to contact Sergeant Thomas Litwin at the Astoria Police Department at 503-325-4411.

05/11/2026

We held our Second Annual Awards Ceremony this weekend and recognized the extraordinary efforts of individuals who exemplify the values of courage, commitment, and compassion:

Dispatcher Megan Holthusen was recognized for answering 98.7% of her 911 calls within 10 seconds.

Dispatcher Jodi Frost for handling 11,131 of the 60,817 (18%) phone calls that the center received in 2025.

The Columbia River Bar Pilot Vessel Swift Crew for helping rescue a person from the Columbia River.

Dispatchers Bella Byers and Kiara Stephens were awarded the
Distinguished Service Commendation for handling a multi-jurisdictional vehicle pursuit that resulted in a foot pursuit.

Officer Brawley and Officer Sladek were awarded the Distinguished Service Commendation for responding to a fire at the Atomic Hotel, evacuating guests, and arresting the person who started the fire.
Cadet Mendez-Hernandez was awarded a Notice of Recognition for assisting them.

Sergeant Randall, Senior Officer Gerig, Dispatcher Byers, and Dispatcher Stephens were awarded the Distinguished Service Commendation for their coordinated efforts and management of a complex vehicle crash that resulted in a fatality and three different crime scenes.

Officer Stockton was awarded the Meritorious Service Commendation for locating and developing probable cause that led to the arrest of the suspect who detonated a bomb at the Sunset Beach Access.

Officer Stockton was recognized for leading the Department in Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants arrests. He made 32 of the department's 98 arrests.

Detective Sergio Carrera was recognized as the Investigations and Enforcement Officer of the Year.

Sergeant Litwin was recognized as the Community Policing Officer of the Year.

Jodi Frost was recognized as the Dispatcher of the Year.

Officer Stockton was recognized as the Officer of the Year.

05/01/2026

The Astoria Dispatch Center received a call of a male slumped over in a chair at Astor St. and 7th St. at 6:01 am. Police and Fire arrived at 6:08 and located a deceased 63-year-old male. The male is a known houseless person who usually stays in one of the shelters in Astoria. A representative from the Clatsop County Medical Examiner’s Office responded and determined that the death appears to be from natural causes. There is no reason to believe that it was related to exposure, trauma, or any other suspicious circumstances.

We are aware that rumors are circulating within the community. Based on the information available, including physical evidence and witness statements, there is no reason to believe this incident is suspicious.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Sergio Carrera of the Astoria Police Department at 503-325-4411 or by email at [email protected].