Othello Police Department

08/14/2026

"On August 6, 2026, at around 4:35 AM, Othello Police responded to a vehicle crash at 900 S. 3rd Ave involving a Toyota Camry that smashed through a brick wall. Three juveniles were found at the scene. Two Juveniles attempted to flee the scene prior to law enforcement arrival. The two juveniles were stopped before they could get away. All three juveniles were showing signs of alcohol use. . Through investigation, a driver was established and was arrested for suspicion of DUI. The other two juveniles were also arrested for MIP. All juveniles were released to their guardians."

With summer coming to an end and the weekend approaching we need to make sure we are all doing our part to prevent incidents like this from happening.

Parents please be aware that there has been an implementation of failure to supervise and you could also be cited.

Please be smart and don't drink and drive.

08/14/2026

This week, we had the privilege of celebrating one of the pillars of the Othello Police Department, Abe Gomez, who has proudly served our department for 20 years.

Abe has been an invaluable member of our Dispatch Department, taking on a variety of roles and responsibilities that go far beyond simply answering calls and dispatching officers. His dedication, experience, and willingness to serve have made a lasting impact on our department and the community.

We cannot thank Abe enough for two decades of dedicated service, commitment, and professionalism.

Abe, thank you for 20 incredible years of service, and congratulations on this well-deserved milestone!

We are grateful to have you as part of the Othello Police Department team.

08/12/2026

A GREAT NIGHT FOR OTHELLO!
What an awesome turnout for Back-to-School Movie Night! Seeing more than 1,000 people from our community come together for an evening of family, fun, and connection was incredible.

The Othello Police Department is proud to be part of events like this. Building relationships with the people we serve, especially our youth, is an important part of who we are.

A huge thank you to Adams County Sheriff’s Office for putting this together, along with the Adams County Posse, Integrated Health, Pick-A-Pop, Simplot Ag Solutions, Bob’s Korner, and the Showhouse for all of their hard work and support.

And most importantly, thank you to our community for showing up! Nights like this remind us what makes Othello such a special place.

Community Strong. Always Forward Together.

08/10/2026

FOUR JUVENILES TAKEN INTO CUSTODY FOLLOWING GRAFFITI INCIDENT

During the evening hours of August 9, 2026, Othello Police Officers responded to the 800 block of E. Elm Street for a report of malicious mischief involving graffiti in progress.
As officers arrived in the area, a group of juveniles reportedly fled the scene and initially evaded officers’ efforts to locate and detain them.

The investigation didn’t stop there.

Officers reviewed available video footage and were able to identify several of the juveniles believed to have been involved. Through continued investigative efforts and follow-up, officers ultimately located and took four juveniles into custody for Malicious Mischief in the Third Degree (RCW 9A.48.090).

Graffiti and vandalism negatively impact property owners, neighborhoods, and the appearance of our community. The Othello Police Department takes these incidents seriously, and our officers will continue working to identify and hold those responsible accountable.

We appreciate community members who report suspicious activity and provide information or video footage that assists our investigations.

Keeping Othello safe and looking its best is a community effort.

See something. Say something. We’ll follow up.

08/08/2026

Today we got to witness one of our dedicated Police Explorers graduate.

Brizaida has successfully graduated the Basic, Intermediate and now Advanced Police Explorers Academy. This is an accomplishment we are so proud of. She has shown dedication and hard work these last couple of years in our program. We are beyond proud of you.

Thank you for your service to our Department and for representing us.

Congratulations!

08/07/2026

Next Week!

Come out for an evening full of fun!

REMINDER POST

07/30/2026

Today 07/30/2026, on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we stand with the victims, survivors, and the dedicated professionals fighting one of the world's most devastating crimes.

Human trafficking doesn't always look like what people expect. It can happen in big cities and small towns alike. It often hides behind fear, manipulation, addiction, and exploitation. The victims are someone's son, daughter, friend, or neighbor.

One of the most powerful tools we have is education. Learn the warning signs. Pay attention when something doesn't seem right. A young person who appears fearful, someone being controlled by another person, unexplained injuries, or signs of exploitation may all be indicators that someone needs help.

Take a few minutes today to learn more about the warning signs from the https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/violent-crime/human-trafficking

Awareness saves lives. If you see something that doesn't seem right, trust your instincts and report it. One phone call could change or even save a life.



-Chief Brent McFarlane

07/29/2026

On Monday, the Othello City Council had the honor of swearing in two exceptional leaders as the newest Sergeants of the Othello Police Department.

Please join me in congratulating Sergeant Steven Perez and Sergeant Rafael Vargas on this well-earned achievement. Their promotions are the result of years of hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to serving the citizens of Othello.

Sergeant Steven Perez has built an impressive career in law enforcement through his work in patrol, investigations, and as a Department of Homeland Security Investigations Task Force Officer specializing in Internet Crimes Against Children. Throughout his career, he has investigated complex criminal cases, worked alongside local, state, and federal agencies, and trained law enforcement professionals across the western United States. His experience, professionalism, and servant leadership make him an outstanding addition to our supervisory team.

Sergeant Rafael Vargas is a proud Othello native whose passion for serving his hometown has been evident throughout his career. Since joining the Othello Police Department in 2019, he has served with distinction as a Patrol Officer and School Resource Officer while building strong relationships with our youth, schools, and community. His work as a DARE Instructor, Field Training Officer, CPR Instructor, and certified drone pilot demonstrates his commitment to developing both himself and those around him.

One of the greatest privileges I have as Chief is watching officers grow into leaders.

These promotions represent much more than a new rank they reflect years of preparation, countless hours of training, difficult decisions, and an unwavering commitment to serving others before themselves.

I have complete confidence in both Sergeant Perez and Sergeant Vargas. Their integrity, leadership, and dedication will continue strengthening the culture of professionalism, accountability, and service that we strive to uphold every day. I know they will have a lasting impact on our department, their fellow officers, and the citizens we proudly serve.

Congratulations to Sergeant Steven Perez and Sergeant Rafael Vargas on your well deserved promotions.

Thank you to your families for the sacrifices you have made throughout your careers. We are excited to see what the future holds for both of you.

Please join me in congratulating these two outstanding leaders!
Chief Brent McFarlane

07/23/2026

Come join us for a fun filled evening!

🎬⭐ BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT OUT – LET’S MAKE IT A MOVIE DAY TO REMEMBER! ⭐🎬

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Othello Police Department and Adams County Integrated Health, is excited to invite everyone to an afternoon and evening of family fun at the Showhouse LLC in Othello on Tuesday, August 11, beginning at 3:00 PM!

This free community event is our way of celebrating the start of a new school year while bringing families, friends, community partners, and local law enforcement together in a fun, welcoming atmosphere.

🍿 What to expect:
🌭 Free hot dogs
🍿 Fresh popcorn
🥤 Drinks
🎬 Three newly released family movies, with each movie shown twice:

* 🕷️ Spider-Man: Brand New Day
* 🌊 Moana
* 😄 Minions and Monsters

🕒 Movie Schedule
First Showing – 3:00 PM

* Spider-Man: Brand New Day
* Moana
* Minions and Monsters

Second Showing – 6:00 PM

* Spider-Man: Brand New Day
* Moana
* Minions and Monsters

👮 Meet your local deputies and police officers in a fun, relaxed setting.

Movie seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early!

Our goal is simple,let’s fill the theater and make this a movie day to remember! We hope to see families from every corner of Adams County come together for an afternoon of fun, laughter, and community.

This event would not be possible without the generosity and partnership of so many people and organizations.

A special thank you to:

* Adams County Integrated Health, our event partner and primary sponsor.

* Simplot Grower Solutions for their generous support.

* CBHA for helping make this event possible.

* The Showhouse LLC for allowing us to host this special community event.

* The many other businesses, organizations, and individuals who contributed in so many ways to make this event happen.

* Our outstanding volunteers who have donated their time and talents.

* The dedicated men and women of the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the Othello Police Department for helping make this a safe, fun, and memorable experience.

Most importantly, thank you to our community. Your continued support and participation are what make events like this possible. We look forward to spending the day with you and your family as we celebrate the start of another great school year together.

🎬 Join us Tuesday, August 11, at the Showhouse LLC in Othello!

🕒 Doors Open: 3:00 PM
🎥 First Showings: 3:00 PM
🎥 Second Showings: 6:00 PM

Bring the family, invite your friends, enjoy great food, and experience these exciting new movies together.

Let’s fill the theater and make this a movie day to remember!

We can’t wait to see you there! 🍿🌭🥤👮‍♀️👮‍♂️🎥

SHERIFF WAGNER

07/15/2026

Last night, the Othello City Council had the privilege of swearing in two outstanding leaders who have earned their promotions through years of hard work, dedication, and service to our community.

Please join me in congratulating Assistant Chief Jaime Mendoza and Sergeant Martin Garza on this incredible milestone in their careers.

Assistant Chief Mendoza is a lifelong Othello resident who has dedicated himself to serving the community he calls home. After serving six years as a Corrections Officer and beginning his law enforcement career as a reserve officer with the Moses Lake Police Department, he joined the Othello Police Department in 2012.

Throughout his career, he has served as a Patrol Officer, Detective, and Patrol Sergeant while earning numerous honors, including multiple Officer of the Year awards, Supervisor of the Year, and Civil Servant of the Year. His leadership, humility, and commitment to this profession have made a lasting impact on our department and our community.

Sergeant Martin Garza was born and raised in Othello and is a graduate of Othello High School and Eastern Washington University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with minors in Psychology and Sociology. Since joining the Othello Police Department in 2020, Martin has embraced every opportunity to grow professionally. He has become a Patrol Tactics Instructor, Fi****ms Instructor, PepperBall Instructor, Street Smarts VR Instructor, and Field Training Officer. His passion for proactive policing, mentoring others, and serving the citizens of Othello makes him an outstanding addition to our supervisory team.

As Chief of Police, one of the greatest honors I have is watching officers grow, develop, and step into leadership roles. Promotions like these aren't simply about a new badge or title they represent years of sacrifice, countless hours of training, difficult decisions, and a commitment to serving others above self.

I have complete confidence in both Assistant Chief Mendoza and Sergeant Garza. Their integrity, work ethic, and dedication to this department will help continue building the culture and professionalism we strive for every day. I am proud to serve alongside both of them and excited to see the positive impact they will continue to have on our officers and the citizens of Othello.

Congratulations to Assistant Chief Jaime Mendoza and Sergeant Martin Garza on your well deserved promotions. Thank you to your families for the sacrifices you have made along the way. We look forward to what the future holds for both of you.

Please join me in congratulating these two outstanding leaders!
Chief Brent McFarlane