Walla Walla Police Department

09/28/2026

On 9/25/26 nigh shift, WWPD officers were dispatched to a burglary in the 800 block of Pleasant St. Officers determined the burglary occurred on 9/10/26 based on video evidence. The video evidence led officers to identify the suspect as 43-year-old Walla Walla man, Derek Cole. Derek Cole is well known to officers.

Derek returned twice to the location and stole about $1,000 worth of tools.

Later in that same shift at approximately 0600 hours (morning of 9/26), WWPD responded to a burglary at a local church in the 2100 block of Fern Ave. Upon arriving on scene, officers discovered about $1,700 worth of tools were stolen. This burglary had just occurred that night.

Officers reviewed footage from the location and identified this burglar also as Derek Cole. Derek rode the same bicycle and wore the same clothing as the earlier burglary from the 10th.

Derek Cole arrived at the church three separate times overnight, returning with a vehicle he ultimately loaded up with $1,700 worth of stolen tools. Officers also know Derek Cole’s vehicle well and have arrested him from the same vehicle.

In addition to the tools he had already stolen from the church that night, Derek Cole, on his third trip, broke into the church’s offering box.

Officers located Derek Cole’s vehicle at his known residence. Officers were granted a search warrant and Derek Cole was arrested from his residence. In addition to Derek Cole’s arrest, officers recovered all the church’s stolen property. About $350 worth of the stolen property from the Pleasant St burglary was recovered.

Derek Cole was booked into the Walla Walla County Jail for:
- Burglary 2nd degree
- Residential Burglary
- Theft 2nd degree (2 counts)
- Malicious Mischief 3rd degree

09/28/2026

***Update to Previous Post***

In addition to John Grant III charges, detectives have also arrested a 35-year-old Walla Walla man, Errin Durham on felony malicious mischief 1st degree charges.

From 1/1/26 – 9/25/26 detectives documented 130 locations specifically tied to Errin Durham’s tagging’s. The estimated total damage done to others’ property by Errin Durham is $5,809.09. Malicious mischief in the 1st degree is a class B felony.

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WWPD Identifies Suspect in Numerous Graffiti Cases

On 9/25/26, WWPD Detectives submitted charges for a 31-year-old Walla Walla man, John Grant III. John was identified in at least 5 instances of malicious mischief 3rd degree by way of writing grotesque / inappropriate phrases around the City of Walla Walla.

These writings are unlawful, intended to be permanent, and on property not belonging to John Grant III. John’s crimes in these cases date back to at least March of 2026. The WWPD does devote resources to solving property crimes such as these. This is one example.

We’d like to thank the volunteer graffiti abatement team through Walla Walla Area Crime Watch for remedying these properties. Thanks to all the officers, business partners, and citizens for helping identify John Grant III. WWPD is working to identify others who may be involved in these cases.

09/23/2026

WESCOM is hiring for an Emergency Services Dispatcher! Apply today at https://www.wallawallawa.gov/government/human-resources.

09/15/2026

🚧BLOCKING COLLISION🚧

Blocking Collision Highway 12 near Interchange Rd.

Highway 12 near Interchange Rd is completely shut down in both east and westbound directions.

For travelers traveling east through the area, exit at airport Road continue east on Mill Creek Road turn north onto Harbert Road, then re-enter Highway 12 at Harbert Rd.

For travelers traveling west, turn south onto Harbert Road, west onto Mill Creek Road, and reenter Highway 12 at Airport Road.

We have barricades and officers to assist. For further inquiries about the collision, contact the Washington State Patrol.

09/07/2026

***UPDATE***

WWPD DOWNTOWN SHOOTING

As the investigation evolves and we work through the known evidence, the facts indicate this was a targeted attack towards the victim and not a random shooting. We do not believe there is any outstanding threat to our citizens or the downtown area. This investigation is active and evolving. No other information will be released at this time.

09/04/2026

*WWPD Arrests Three in Connection to July Child Death*

On 7/13/26 at approximately 1302 hours, WWPD responded to the 1600 block of Evergreen St. for a report of a medical assist. A 3-year-old child was found in an apparent medical emergency. Medical personnel transported the child to a local hospital where they were pronounced deceased. Due to the circumstances, investigators remained on scene and processed the scene under the authority of search warrants. The investigation determined that the child’s cause of death was from acute fentanyl intoxication.

On 9/2/26 WWPD arrested a 37-year-old Walla Walla woman, Ashlee Kveton for the following crimes in connection to this case:
- Manslaughter 1st (DV)
- Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl powder
- Possession of fentanyl powder

Today, 9/3/26 WWPD arrested a 36-year-old Walla Walla man, Richard Matson for the following crimes in connection to this case:
- Manslaughter 1st (DV)
- Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl powder
- Possession of fentanyl powder

On 9/2/26 WWPD, with the assistance of CPPD arrested a 28-year-old College Place man, Nicholas Beckman for:
- Controlled substance conspiracy - Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl powder

Mr. Beckman’s fentanyl distribution charge is in connection to this case.

This case remains under investigation. No further information will be released at this time.

08/20/2026

School is back in session!

That means school buses are back on the roads, and kids will be getting on and off throughout the day.

Please slow down, stay alert, and watch for students near bus stops. Know when you’re required to stop for a school bus and always give kids plenty of space to get on and off safely.

Let’s all do our part to help make getting to and from school safe!

08/13/2026

We’re getting all set up now for National Night Out! No need to cook dinner, we have free pizza, free dilly bars, backpacks filled with school supplies and so many community partners are here with fun giveaways! This event is free for everyone! See you at 5 at Garrison Middle School!

08/13/2026

Join us tomorrow for National Night Out! This event is free and open to everyone!

🎉 National Night Out is BACK ON! 🎉

Great news! National Night Out has officially been rescheduled, and we can't wait to celebrate with our community. We hope you'll still be able to join us for an evening of fun!

🎈 FREE & Open to Everyone!

📅 Updated Event Information

Date: Thursday, August 13
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Garrison Middle School Gymnasium

🎒 Over 200 backpacks filled with school supplies will be raffled off to local students.
🎪 Visit community booths with activities, games, and resource information.
🚒 Meet local first responders.
🍕 Enjoy a FREE slice of pizza and a Dilly Bar while supplies last!

New Parade Route!
The parade will begin at 5:00 PM at the Courtyard by Marriott Walla Walla, travel south on 9th Avenue, turn east onto Malcolm Street, then turn south onto Chase Avenue, ending at Garrison Middle School.

Come out to cheer on the parade, connect with local resources, meet first responders, and enjoy a great evening of free fun for everyone. We look forward to seeing you there!