Okanogan County Sheriff Office

05/31/2026

Press Release ***Update***

5/31/2026

Oroville, WA

On Saturday, May 30, 2026, a group of private citizens conducting a search along the Okanogan River located a deceased individual in the river.

The individual was recovered and brought to shore, where he was positively identified as Matthew Brown.

Matthew Brown has been transferred into the custody and care of the Okanogan County Coroner. The cause and manner of death will be determined by the Coroner's Office.

The Okanogan County Sheriff's Office extends its condolences to Mr. Brown's family and loved ones during this difficult time.

No further information is being released at this time pending the ongoing investigation.

Jodie Barcus, Sheriff

05/31/2026

Today, the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division was proud to take part in the Mental Health Month Color Walk & Resource Fair in Omak.

This event was a great opportunity to connect with community members, support mental health awareness, and highlight the important work being done inside and outside the correctional facility.

Our corrections booth allowed us to speak with the public about the role of corrections, answer questions, share information about career opportunities within the Corrections Division, and provide community members the opportunity to enter a raffle drawing for a bicycle and helmet. The drawing will take place early next week, and we will make the appropriate connection with the selected winner.

Mental health, substance use, housing stability, and community support all play an important role in public safety. The Corrections Division, alongside our local partners, continues working toward better pathways for individuals in our custody as they transition back into the community. Through collaboration, resource connection, and reentry-focused efforts, we are working to support accountability while also helping individuals access services that may reduce barriers and improve long term outcomes.

We appreciate everyone who stopped by our booth, asked questions, and supported today’s event. We are also thankful for the local organizations, service providers, volunteers, and community members who came together to make the Color Walk & Resource Fair a positive and meaningful event.

The Corrections Division is proud to serve Okanogan County, support community partnerships, and continue working toward safer and healthier communities.

05/30/2026

Press Release ***Update***

5/30/2026

Oroville, WA

Search efforts to locate the male reported deceased in the Okanogan River continued through Friday 5/29/2026.

Deputies and a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife agent used boats, personal watercraft, sonar and divers to search an expanding area near the last location the male was seen.

A canine from Spokane, trained in detection of human remains, was deployed and implements were used to drag the river bottom. The male has not been located; no signs of the male have been located.

During the day of search efforts, the river conditions deteriorated and hampered search efforts. After rainfall from the previous night the river level and river current speed has increased. The active river flow increases the likelihood that the male has not remained near the location last seen.

The search has been suspended due to dangerous river conditions and pending information to focus search efforts.

The identity of the male is not confirmed and will not be released until the identity is confirmed and next of kin has been notified.

Jodie Barcus, Sheriff

05/28/2026

Press Release

Oroville, WA 5/27/2026 at 2:30 PM

A caller reported to Okanogan 911 that he had just spoken to a male sitting in the shallow water of the Okanogan River south of Oroville, WA. The caller turned away from the man sitting in the river, heard a sound, turned back toward the man in the water and saw the man was face down in the water drifting away in the current.

Law Enforcement, Fire and EMS responded to the location but were unable to locate the male in the river. Additional Okanogan County Deputies responded to the location with one boat, two jet ski type watercraft and an aerial drone. Also assisting in the search was the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife with a boat.

A firearm was recovered from the water in the area where the male was last seen.

The search for the male continued until dark at about 8:45 PM and resumed on in the morning of 5/28/2026 with watercraft, divers and aerial drone. The search is on-going.

Elevated runoff water levels make difficult and dangerous search conditions of low visibility, elevated current speed and debris in the water.

The identity of the male is not confirmed and will not be released.

5/28/2026 at approximately 4:00 PM the search was suspended due to severe weather.

Jodie Barcus, Sheriff

05/26/2026

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

OKANOGAN COUNTY, WA — On Monday, May 18, 2026, the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office began an animal abuse investigation after receiving information that a Riverside resident was unlawfully in possession of approximately twenty dogs. The resident had been arrested prior for animal abuse and was not allowed to possess more then one dog as a condition of their release.

During the investigation, Sgt. Ray developed probable cause and obtained a search warrant for the residence and surrounding property. When Sgt. Ray, Sgt. Lunn and Sheriff Barcus arrived to execute the warrant, approximately seventeen dogs were initially observed. As the search continued, additional dogs were discovered throughout the property. In total, thirty-two dogs were safely removed from the location.

Dr. Isenhart of Brewster Veterinary Clinic generously donated his time and expertise to examine each dog, with assistance of Hailey also with Brewster Veterinary Clinic.

Based on Dr. Isenhart’s examination, thirty of the dogs were found to be suffering from varying stages of starvation and dehydration.

The condition of many of these animals was heartbreaking. Despite the neglect they endured, many of the dogs showed gentle temperaments and a willingness to trust the people trying to help them. Their recovery and future care will take time, patience, and compassion.

The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office could not have managed this rescue without the incredible support of our local animal rescue organizations and volunteers. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to All4Paws Okanogan Rescue, Team Okanogan Animal Rescue, Pasado’s Safe Haven, and the dedicated volunteers Ari, Dina, Shannon, Tyler, Gaby, Linda, Aaron and members of Brewster Veterinary Clinic . These individuals dropped everything to assist in rescuing, transporting, feeding, comforting, and caring for these animals during an extremely difficult situation.

Cases like this are emotionally difficult for everyone involved, but the compassion shown by our community reminds us how many people are willing to step forward to protect vulnerable animals in need.

This investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as it becomes available.

All4Paws Okanogan Rescue is currently seeking foster homes, medical fosters, and experienced dog handlers for dogs in need of placement and rehabilitation. The rescue provides all necessary supplies and covers all approved care costs.
Community members interested in helping are encouraged to apply through our website at All4Paws Okanogan Rescue (https://www.all4pawsokanoganrescue.org or by following the foster application link provided.

Your support can make an immediate difference in the safety, recovery, and future placement of these animals.

05/26/2026

May 26, 2026

The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office is investigating disturbing social media posts followed by threatening messages involving Tonasket School students.

At approximately 1730 hours on May 25, 2026, the Sheriff’s Office was contacted by Tonasket School officials regarding disturbing posts made by an unknown individual. The posts referenced a prior school shooting and caused immediate concern among school staff.

Shortly after the posts were made, Tonasket School students began receiving threatening messages from the same social media account.

Through the investigation, law enforcement identified the individual responsible as a fellow student. Due to the individual being a minor, no identifying information will be released at this time.

The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office worked closely with school officials to quickly assess the threats and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the community.

The minor and his father were arrested at 0003 hours.

At this time, there is no known active threat to the school; however, the investigation remains ongoing.

The Sheriff’s Office takes all threats involving schools and student safety seriously. We encourage parents and students to immediately report suspicious activity, threatening behavior, or concerning social media posts to law enforcement or school officials.

Early reporting allows investigators to respond quickly and helps keep our schools and community safe.

05/25/2026

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy every day and will never be forgotten.

On this Memorial Day, the members of the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office ask our community to take a moment to reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to keep their families in your thoughts.

We are forever grateful to our fallen heroes.

“Freedom is never free.”

05/15/2026

After 31 years of faithful service Dave Yarnell insists on stepping away quietly. 31 years of shift work, strain on spouse and family, missed school events, responding to collisions, investigating broken relationships, broken kids and people in their worst moments. 31 years of protecting and supporting victims and communities in recovery from whatever evils found them.

We respect Dave's preference to step away quietly but after 31 years of service we cannot let him go silently. So, with gratitude, we respectfully tip our cap to Dave Yarnell's 31 years of public service to the residents of Okanogan County.

05/13/2026

This week is National Police Week. We recognize and thank the brave men and women that carry a badge, serve and protect their communities.

Okanogan County Law Enforcement Officers that made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty:

Officer Roy R. Bradshaw, August 1973, Colville Tribal Police Department

Sergeant Louis A. Millard, August, 1986, Colville Tribal Police Department

Officer Michael W. Marshall, March 1998, Omak Police Department
(source www.behindthebadgefoundation.org

05/12/2026