WCSO Banks

07/03/2025

05/23/2025

In the early hours of Wednesday, May 22, deputies responded to the Quail Hollow Apartments in the Banks community after a caller reported a group of people were illegally entering vehicles in the parking lot.

Deputies searched the area but learned the group had run before they arrived. The suspects were not located. During the investigation, deputies discovered that multiple vehicles had been entered, some with property stolen, and a steering column had been damaged.

Here are some safety tips to help keep your valuables safe:

• Never leave valuables in the vehicle, especially not in open view
• Don’t leave your vehicles unlocked – they make for easy targets
• Park in a lighted area
• Do not leave fi****ms in your vehicle

What can you do?

• See something, say something- Report suspicious behavior to non-emergency dispatch or 911 if appropriate
• If you have security video of the thieves from the morning of May 22nd, please contact non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 and reference case number 59-25-29

01/16/2025

Update: Banks High School Teacher Indicted on New Charges

On February 6, 2025, Wymon Smith was arrested again after additional victims came forward and a grand jury indicted him for new crimes. After the initial coverage of Smith's arrest in January, detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit received multiple calls from other affected people. To date, investigators have spoken with nearly 20 people who have disclosed concerns and abuse dating back almost 25 years.

New evidence was presented to a grand jury on January 31, 2025. At the request of the Washington County Sheriff's Office, detectives with the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office took Smith into custody on February 6. He is facing charges of Sexual Abuse in the first degree and So**my in the first degree.

Investigators learned Smith worked as a teacher in Nevada in the 1990s, and then in Astoria in the early 2000s before moving to the Banks School District. Investigators strongly believe there are additional victims, witnesses, or affected people who have not yet come forward. If you have information, please call 503-846-2500. Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.
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Original Media Release: Banks High School Teacher Arrested For Sexually Abusing Student

January 14, 2025

On the morning of January 8, 2025, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies assigned to the city of Banks were notified by staff at Banks High School about concerns that a math teacher had sexual contact with a student. Deputies learned the school district was made aware of the allegations on January 7 and immediately placed the teacher, 66-year-old Wymon Smith, on leave. Officials at the high school notified the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline on January 7th, as required by law.

The case was assigned to detectives in the Violent Crimes Unit, which also handles child abuse investigations. Detectives learned Smith had sexually inappropriate conversations with multiple students and had sexual contact with at least one student on school property.

On the afternoon of January 14, 2025, detectives arrested Smith. Smith was lodged in jail on charges of sexual abuse in the second degree and luring a minor. Oregon law specifies that any sexual contact perpetrated by a teacher or a coach to a student is a felony.

Detectives are concerned there are additional victims and want to speak with anyone who has information about Smith’s concerning behaviors. Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.

The Banks School District continues to cooperate with the law enforcement investigation.

The release of Smith’s booking photo is for law enforcement purposes and is in accordance with Oregon House Bill 3273 for the identification of additional criminal activity.

12/02/2024

Deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office participated in the annual City of Banks tree-lighting event, which was held at the gazebo in Greenville City Park on December 1st.

We are honored to serve your community.

10/02/2024

Here are some fall safety tips to consider. We're always here to help! If you need us call 503-629-0111.

With every seasonal change, we want to remind community members of potential challenges that can impact your safety and property.

Consider these safety measures to help protect yourself and loved ones, especially from those seeking to commit crimes of opportunity.

🍂 ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings.
🍂 Wear reflective clothing if walking, running, or biking while outdoors in low-light conditions.
🍂 Lock your vehicle and park in a safe location.
🍂 Secure your home and valuables.
🍂 Protect yourself from mail theft.

This fall, remember to be safe and aware of locations and situations that would make you vulnerable to crime. Report any suspicious activity to your local police department. As a reminder, call 911 for emergencies and 503-629-0111 for non-emergencies.

You can also file a police report online if the crime fits the reporting requirements at https://bit.ly/WCSO_Reporting.

Visit our Fall Safety blog for more information: https://bit.ly/WCSO_FallSafety

08/29/2024

Important reminder with the holiday weekend coming up - drive sober and stay safe!

08/13/2024

🐾🚔 Exciting News! 🚔🐾

Join us in welcoming the newest member of the Washington County Sheriff's Office family - K9 Rip! 🐶

Rip, an 11-month-old Dutch Shepherd, has joined our team after coming to us from Law Dog Kennel. Rip's impressive lineage comes from two working dog parents, making him the perfect addition to our K9 unit. He will be joining Cpl. Akin on the team after completing his training in September.

Law Dog Kennel was previously home to some of our beloved WCSO K9s such as Cpl. Akin's longtime partner Stark, as well as Radar, and Tux. 🐕

We can't wait for Rip to continue the legacy and make a paw-sitive impact in our community alongside Cpl. Akin. Stay tuned for updates on Rip's journey as he serves and protects with the Washington County Sheriff's Office! 🐾💙

08/08/2024

Hagg Lake Update: August 10, at 4:30 P.M.

Hagg Lake is anticipated to be closed until Monday. We will provide updates as we get them.

Thank you for your patience.
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Hagg Lake Update:

Hagg Lake is still closed, so fire crews can continue managing the fire. Some areas of Cherry Grove are still under a level 3 evacuation notice.

We will post additional information as updates are made.
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Community Alert:

Henry Hagg Lake will be temporarily closed so aircraft can assist with fighting a fire. Staff from Washington County Parks and the Washington County Sheriff's Office will be at the lake to assist recreational visitors.

08/07/2024

🌟 Thank You for Making National Night Out Unforgettable! 🌟

We wanted to express our deepest gratitude to the amazing community who joined us for an incredible National Night Out. Your enthusiasm, support, and active engagement made the night a tremendous success! 🎉

It was heartwarming to see neighbors coming together, building connections, and strengthening the bond between law enforcement and our community. We are truly honored to serve such an incredible community that takes pride in keeping each other safe and thriving.

Your involvement during National Night Out signifies the power of unity and collaboration. Together, we continue to create a safer and more resilient community.
Once again, thank you for your active engagement, support, and for making National Night Out an extraordinary celebration of community spirit! 🙌

07/10/2024

Traffic Safety Updates:

This afternoon, motor officers from the Traffic Safety Unity encountered a rather large piece of farm equipment and stopped for a quick photo in a shady spot. The farmer asked that we send a gentle reminder to be patient while driving around farm equipment on the roadways.

Equipment operators may not always see you as they navigate the roads in order to harvest Oregon’s bounty, and they emphasize a cautious approach.