St. Helens Police Department

05/12/2026

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and St. Helens Police Department are urging drivers to buckle up ahead of the “Click It or Ticket” seat belt safety campaign. The national high-visibility seat belt enforcement effort, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs May 18-31, 2026.

“Seat belt use should be an automatic habit every time you get into a vehicle,” said St. Helens Police Sgt. José Castilleja. “During the Click It or Ticket campaign, we’ll be working with our fellow law enforcement officers across local and state lines to ensure the message gets out to drivers and passengers. Not buckling up could mean a ticket, or worse, risking a life.”

In 2023, there were 10,484 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes. The national seat belt use rate in 2024 was 91.2%.

In St. Helens, a study in March 2026 showed an 85% seat belt usage rate. Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement during the campaign.

One of the focuses of the Click It or Ticket seat belt campaign is nighttime enforcement. NHTSA data shows a higher number of unrestrained occupant fatalities happen at night (56% between the hours of 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m.). Of the males killed in crashes in 2023, more than half (53%) were unrestrained. For females killed in crashes, 41% were not buckled up.

Buckle Up the Right Way

• Place the shoulder belt across the middle of the chest and away from the neck.

• Lay the lap belt across the hips and not the stomach.

• NEVER place the seat belt behind the back or under arms.

“We are asking friends and family to remind each other to buckle up in the front and back seats and to consider changing their habits if they don’t,” said Sgt. Castilleja. “Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — needs to remember to buckle up.”

For more information on the Click It or Ticket seat belt high-visibility enforcement campaign, please visit NHTSA.gov/ClickIt.

04/17/2026

Mystery Readers Visit McBride Elementary!

Our students had some very special guests this week! We were thrilled to welcome Officer Stratton and Officer Raethke from the St. Helens Police Department for a surprise reading session.

The officers shared the classic Officer Buckle and Gloria, teaching our young learners about safety through a fun and interactive story. Our students were all ears and loved getting to know the officers!

A huge thank you to St. Helens Police Department officers Stratton and Raethke for creating such a positive, memorable experience for our students.
, connect, commit

04/03/2026

We are seeking additional information related to a St. Helens man recently indicted on multiple charges, including attempted murder. Please read the following information and call non-emergency dispatch at 503-397-1521 and ask to speak with St. Helens Police Department Detective Edwards or Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Thompson if you have information related to this incident.

On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, a Columbia County grand jury indicted Harrison Wade Mugrage, 21, of St. Helens, Oregon, on charges of Attempted Murder, Assault in the First Degree, two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing (Domestic Abuse), and Assault IV.

Mugrage was arrested on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, by St. Helens officers who responded to the report of a disturbance with a weapon at Broadleaf Arbor, 2250 Gable Road in St. Helens. St. Helens officers were assisted by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police.

Officers located a victim at the scene who had sustained multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported to an area hospital.

During their investigation, officers identified Mugrage as the suspect in the incident, and Mugrage was taken into custody. A search warrant was also executed. Detectives then presented the case to a grand jury.

Mugrage remains lodged at the Columbia County Jail.

Investigators continue to seek information about Mugrage and the March 24, 2026, incident. If you have information, please contact St. Helens Police Department Detective Edwards or Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Thompson at 503-397-1521.

03/31/2026

Thank you for hosting us as mystery readers at Lewis and Clark Elementary School!

Mystery Readers Visit Lewis and Clark Elementary!

Students in Pre-K through 1st/2nd grade at Lewis and Clark Elementary recently enjoyed a special visit from two officers with the St. Helens Police Department, Officer Hartless and Officer Sprinzl.

During their visit, they read the book Officer Buckle and Gloria, sharing an interactive story while connecting with students and reinforcing important safety messages. Students were highly engaged throughout the visit, asking thoughtful questions and showing great excitement as they interacted with their guest readers.

We appreciate Officer Hartless and Officer Sprinzl for taking the time to visit our classrooms and support our young learners through this meaningful experience!
, connect, commit

01/30/2026

On Thursday, January 22, 2026, William Bigley, 49, of St. Helens, was sentenced in Columbia County Circuit Court to 65 months in prison related to a sexual assault investigation that began in 2023.

In January 2023, St. Helens detectives were contacted by an area hospital regarding a child who may have been sexually assaulted in St. Helens.

St. Helens detectives initiated an investigation and identified William Bigley as the suspect. The case was presented to a Columbia County grand jury, and Bigley was indicted on three counts of Sexual Abuse I and one count of Unlawful Sexual Pe*******on I.

Bigley was arrested for the charges on January 24, 2024, by the St. Helens Police Department and Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. He was lodged at the Columbia County Jail.

This case was prosecuted by the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office.

https://www.sthelensoregon.gov/police/page/st-helens-man-sentenced-sexual-assault-investigation

01/10/2026

Thank you to local American Heritage Girls Troop OR3130 for stopping by the St. Helens station today to drop off goodies and celebrate National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. It's an honor to serve you!

01/09/2026

The St. Helens Police Department is seeking the public's help in identifying two suspects involved in a burglary at the former Boise Paper Mill site located at 1300 Kaster Road in St. Helens, Oregon. The burglary resulted in the theft of materials valued at over $20,000, along with significant property damage.

Surveillance cameras captured the suspects on the property, where they appear to be removing items such as cables, hoses, and other industrial materials.

The two suspects were working together and are captured in multiple images interacting and moving items within the facility.

One of the suspects was wearing a distinctive jacket that appears to be a licensed Star Wars-themed hoodie or jacket featuring prominent white lettering and a red stripe on the back.

If you recognize either of these individuals, know their whereabouts, or have any information related to this burglary, including suspicious activity near 1300 Kaster Road, please contact the St. Helens Police Department immediately and ask to speak with Officer Sprinzl.

• Non-Emergency Line: 503-397-1521
• Business Line: 503-397-3333
• Anonymous Tips: Call the non-emergency number at 503-397-1521

Your tip could be crucial in resolving this case and recovering stolen property.

12/18/2025

Congratulations, Chief Smith and Lt. Treat!

The St. Helens City Council recognized two St. Helens Police Department employees for reaching length of service milestones at today’s 12/17 work session.

Police Chief Matt Smith started working with the City in July 2020 as a police officer. With his extensive experience in investigations and law enforcement, he became a detective the following month. He then quickly rose through the ranks from corporal to sergeant, becoming police chief in August of this year.

Lieutenant Doug Treat started working with the City in July 2020 as a police officer. With his extensive experience in law enforcement, he became a corporal the following month, then sergeant two months later. In August 2025, he became lieutenant.

Congratulations to Chief Smith and Lt. Treat!

12/04/2025

Congratulations, Pati! We appreciate you!

Congratulations to Police Records and Evidence Specialist Pati Askelson and Public Works Director Mouhamad Zaher on both reaching five years of service with the City of St. Helens!

Pati started working with the City on November 10, 2020, as a Police Support Specialist for the St. Helens Police Department. In May 2021, her position was reviewed and reclassified as a Records and Evidence Specialist.

Mouhamad started working with the City on November 16, 2020, as our Public Works Director.

Pati and Mouhamad were recognized at the St. Helens City Council's December 3 Council meeting.

10/29/2025

Halloween is a fun time for families, but it can also be dangerous. Trick-or-treaters are at a higher risk of being injured in pedestrian versus vehicle accidents, and holidays usually mean more impaired drivers are on the road.

Stay safe and enjoy the holiday with the following safety tips:

🎃 Review pedestrian safety and other general safety rules with your kids before trick-or-treating

🎃 Stay in groups and have an adult act as a chaperone while trick-or-treating

🎃 Use reflective tape, glow sticks, or flashlights with costumes so that you are more visible to vehicles

🎃 Always use a sidewalk if one is available and cross streets in a crosswalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic

🎃 Trick or treat on well-lit streets

🎃 Consider using non-toxic face paint or makeup instead of a mask for your child’s costume. Masks can obstruct you child’s vision

🎃 If you believe that you’ve spotted an impaired driver on the road, report it. Call dispatch at 503-397-1521 to make a report

🎃 While driving on Halloween, slow down and take extra precautions. Children will likely be in areas where you do not normally see them and do not always follow safety guidelines