Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office

08/31/2026

PRESS RELEASE
A26-17508 MISSING PERSON - RECOVERY
AUGUST 31, 2026

On August 28, 2026, a citizen located the vehicle belonging to missing person Brent Erickson, on Weyerhaeuser timberland near the 6402 line. Deputies responded to the scene and confirmed Erickson’s vehicle appeared to be stuck in a ditch and was unoccupied. Deputies were unable to locate Erickson at this time, and due to hours of darkness, the scene was secured and a search and rescue mission was initiated the following morning. Cowlitz Search and Rescue searched the area on August 29, 2026, but was unable to locate Erickson.

On August 30, 2026, a Weyerhaeuser Woods Security employee located Erickson’s body approximately ½ mile from his vehicle, in a steep area with thick underbrush. Deputies responded to the scene with the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office and recovered the body. Mr. Erickson’s next of kin was notified of his passing.

An autopsy has been conducted by the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office. The cause and manner of death report is pending.

The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the citizens, staff and volunteers who assisted in the search for Mr. Erickson. Search efforts included over 800 miles of road searches in the St Helens Tree Farm, in addition to ground searches, Human Remains Detection K-9 searches, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) searches. Searchers from Columbia County (OR) Search and Rescue, Clark County Search and Rescue, Cowlitz County Department of Emergency Management Amateur Communication Services, Weyerhaeuser Woods Security, and the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office UAS Unit and Reserve Deputies assisted with this search.

Undersheriff Troy Brightbill
Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office

08/27/2026

PRESS RELEASE
A26-18435 MISSING PERSON – RECOVERY
AUGUST 26, 2026

On August 20, 2026, 64-year-old Kelso resident Michael Dean White was reported missing to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. White’s truck was located off North Pacific Avenue in Kelso near a fishing area on the Cowlitz River. A fisherman found a cell phone in the area belonging to Mr. White, which was turned in to the Sheriff’s Office.

Mr. White was entered as a missing person, and on August 22, 2026, the Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol searched for Mr. White along the Cowlitz River. Despite extensive efforts, including the use of sonar and searches along the riverbanks, Mr. White was not located.

On August 26, 2026, a 911 caller reported finding a body floating in the Columbia River near the Lewis and Clark Bridge. The Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol and deputies responded to the area and recovered the body. The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and identified the decedent as Michael Dean White.

Mr. White’s family has been notified of his recovery. An autopsy is scheduled through the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office. No additional information regarding the cause or manner of death is available at this time.

Undersheriff Troy Brightbill
Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office

08/25/2026

Back-to-school means more children walking, biking, and riding to school. Every driver plays a role in keeping our students safe.

Back-to-School Safety Tip #1: School Zone Safety

🚸 Back-to-school means more children walking, biking, and riding to school. Every driver plays a role in keeping our students safe.

As you travel through school zones:
🟡 Slow down and obey posted speed limits.
👀 Watch carefully for children who may cross unexpectedly.
🛑 Stop for school buses when their stop arm is extended and red lights are flashing.
📵 Put your phone away and stay focused on the road.
⏰ Leave a few minutes early so you don't feel rushed.

A few extra seconds can make all the difference. Let's work together to ensure every child arrives at school safely.

08/18/2026

MISSING PERSON – PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REQUESTED

The Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office is assisting the St. Helens Police Department in the search for Brent Erickson, last seen on August 7, 2026.

Brent was headed to deliver food to a family near Kalama River but never arrived at the residence. He hasn't been seen or heard from since.

He's believed to be driving a 2003 Ford F150, Grey / Silver, OR plate 471DQQ.

🔍 If you have property, outbuildings, or pull-offs along Kalama River Road or Italian Creek, please take a look for his truck.

📞 If you see Brent or his vehicle, or have any information, call 360-762-6800 right away — reference case A26-17508.

Chief Administrative Deputy Jeremy Tonissen

08/12/2026

Since September is National Preparedness Month, Cowlitz County DEM (Department of Emergency Management) along with other partners is holding an event at Home Depot on September 26th. Hope to see you there!

📢 September is National Preparedness Month! Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing practical preparedness tips and educational information to help you and your community prepare for emergencies.

We’re bringing it all together with "Prepared Neighbors", our community preparedness event!
📅 Saturday, September 26
⏰ 10 AM–1 PM
📍 Home Depot – 580 7th Ave., Longview, WA 98632

What to expect:
• 20+ vendors and agencies with subject matter experts
• Preparedness information and resources
• Drawing prizes
• Food available for purchase

Follow along throughout September, then join us September 26 for Prepared Neighbors!
👉 Event details: https://BIT.LY/PREP26

Thank you to the following agencies/vendors for their participation and partnership throughout the year! PieTrio's Pizzeria Cowlitz County Health & Human Services Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office Longview Fire Department Red Canoe Credit Union Longview Pioneer Lions Club
Lower Columbia CAP Red Cross Cascades Region
Family Health Center Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments Timberland Legal Aid Penny Parvi – American Family Insurance Agent Working Families Tax Credit Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington Longview Home Depot; Longview Fred Meyer; Guardians Of the Children Puget Sound Chapter - GOC

08/05/2026

Join is at National Night Out in Castle Rock!

08/04/2026

See you tonight at North County Sports Complex for National Night Out!

07/27/2026

WASHINGTON STATE'S BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM

Washington's new, voluntary Blue Envelope Program provides neurodivergent drivers and passengers with a specially designed envelope that holds their essential documents, like vehicle registration and insurance.

During a traffic stop, the driver or passenger can hand the officer their Blue Envelope. This lets the officer know that a different communication approach may be helpful, making the interaction easier, clearer, and more comfortable for everyone involved.

Helpful information for both the neurodivergent person and the first responder is printed directly on the envelope. Blue Envelopes are free, and anyone who may find one helpful can get one at any driver or vehicle licensing office in Washington. Program participants will not need to show proof of need, and nothing will be noted on their driving record.

More information can be found at

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

07/25/2026

Update at 2:45: Fire officials are emphasizing that residents in the area of the Port and the Highlands neighborhood should avoid the smoky conditions and shelter in place inside your residence. Close windows and air intake systems as needed.

Scrap metal on fire in industrial area of Longview. It is recommended to shelter in place if smoke from the fire is affecting your neighborhood.

07/20/2026

PRESS RELEASE
A26-15817 ASSAULT 1st DEGREE INVESTIGATION
JULY 20, 2026

At 0111 hours of July 20th, 2026, Cowlitz 911 received a call from a male in the 1500 block of West Side Hwy, Kelso, requesting law enforcement remove his wife from the property. The caller, identified as 58-year-old resident James M. Wood, mentioned su***de during the 911 call. Deputies had previously received information indicating that Wood had communicated an intent to force police to shoot him. Deputies were able to contact Wood by phone at this time.

At 0157 hours, Cowlitz 911 received a call from Wood’s wife, who reported that Wood was armed and had held her against her will. The female had fled to a neighboring residence. Deputies responded to the area and safely removed the female from the area. Deputies learned Wood had reportedly pointed a pistol at her, threatened her life and would not let her leave the residence for a period of approximately four hours. Wood had also reportedly assaulted the female, leaving visible bruising. The female confirmed Wood was armed with two pistols inside their trailer.

The Lower Columbia SWAT Team was activated, and a search warrant was obtained by deputies. Wood complied with commands and was safely taken into custody. During the service of the search warrant, deputies recovered two pistols and other evidence from the trailer. James Wood was booked into Cowlitz County Jail on charges of Assault 1st Degree – Domestic Violence, Unlawful Imprisonment – Domestic Violence, Assault 4th Degree – Domestic Violence, and Interfering with the Reporting of Domestic Violence.

Undersheriff Troy Brightbill
Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office

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