Chelan County Sheriff's Office

10/30/2026

On October 28, 2026, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Detectives, and East Cascade SWAT (ECST), conducted a joint operation that resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of approximately six kilograms of co***ne.

Jose Hernandez-Villegas, of SeaTac, and Alexis Mendoza, of Tacoma, were arrested and booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center on charges of felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. The arrests stemmed from an ongoing investigation conducted by HSI.

Investigators developed probable cause to believe the two individuals were transporting co***ne from the Seattle area to Wenatchee where it was going to be sold. HSI contacted CCSO detectives, who assisted with the investigation.

After identifying the individuals, law enforcement personnel coordinated with East Cascade SWAT to conduct a vehicle stop on State Route 2, westbound near School Street in Wenatchee. Both individuals were taken into custody without incident. During the operation, investigators located and seized approximately six kilograms of co***ne inside the vehicle.

This coordinated effort highlights the importance of collaboration among local and federal law enforcement agencies in addressing drug trafficking and disrupting the distribution of illegal narcotics in our communities.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office thanks Homeland Security Investigations for its continued partnership and assistance in protecting the residents of Chelan County.

10/28/2026

NATIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS DAY

Today, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office proudly recognizes the firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs, paramedics, 911 dispatchers, corrections personnel, and all public safety professionals who answer the call to serve.

Behind every response are individuals who make personal and professional sacrifices to protect others, often during their most difficult moments.

Your courage, dedication, and commitment to our communities do not go unnoticed.

To all first responders and the families who support them, thank you for your service and sacrifice.

INTEGRITY. TEAMWORK. EXCELLENCE.

Of the People. For the People.

10/23/2026

SHERIFF MORRISON SELECTED TO SERVE ON STATEWIDE PUBLIC SAFETY AUTHORITY

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce that Sheriff Mike Morrison has been selected to serve on the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority (WATPA), filling one of only two positions designated for county sheriffs statewide.

Sheriff Morrison has begun serving in this capacity while awaiting final appointment approval from the Governor, as required under Washington law.

WATPA works to reduce vehicle theft through coordinated enforcement, prevention initiatives, public education, and grant funding for law enforcement agencies throughout Washington.

This additional responsibility complements Sheriff Morrison’s existing leadership positions as a Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) Executive Board Member and Co-Chair of WASPC’s Traffic Safety Committee.

What does this mean for Chelan County?

These positions provide our county with a stronger voice in statewide public safety discussions, greater opportunities to build partnerships, and direct involvement in decisions concerning legislation, funding, training, and resources that impact our communities.

We appreciate Sheriff Morrison’s willingness to take on these additional responsibilities while remaining focused on his primary commitment: serving the residents of Chelan County, supporting our personnel, and strengthening public safety.

10/21/2026

🚔 Protecting and Educating Our Youth!

Last week, Sergeant Foreman visited Cashmere High School to speak with freshmen in Ms. Story’s health class about drugs, their dangers, and the importance of making informed decisions.

Education and prevention are essential parts of public safety. Our commitment to protecting our youth extends well beyond responding to emergencies. It includes building relationships, sharing knowledge, and providing students with the tools to make safe, responsible choices.
We are proud of Sergeant Foreman and our continued partnerships with local schools. Investing in our youth means investing in safer schools, stronger communities, and a brighter future.

Thank you to Cashmere High School and Ms. Story for the opportunity to connect with these students! 💙

10/20/2026

🚔 Connecting with Our Future Leaders! 🐾

Sheriff Morrison enjoyed spending time with Mr. Spitez’s class at Orchard Middle School, answering questions, sharing insights into law enforcement, and connecting with students.

Opportunities like these are an important part of building relationships, encouraging curiosity, and strengthening trust between law enforcement and the communities we serve.

Thank you to Mr. Spitez and the students for the warm welcome and thoughtful questions! We value our school partnerships and look forward to continuing these connections.

Community partnerships start with conversations! 💙

10/18/2026

TRAINING NEVER STOPS. NEITHER DOES OUR COMMITMENT

This week, our agency helped host another Patrol Tactics Instruction (PTI) course alongside our regional partners from Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Wenatchee Police Department, and East Wenatchee Police Department.

With statewide audit findings showing only 16% of officers completing required LETCSA training by their deadlines (2028), we're proud to be among those prioritizing these standards. The majority of our deputies have not only completed the required 40 hours but have completed PTI recertification twice.

Meanwhile, we have continued to not only meet but surpass other mandated training requirements, which has included quarterly, in-service, fi****ms, emergency vehicle operations, and specialized training for SWAT, search and rescue, swift water rescue, and more.

Balancing this level of training while maintaining daily patrol operations and answering calls for service is no small task.

A sincere thank you to our Training Sergeant, instructors, deputies, and regional partners for their hard work and dedication. It's a tremendous undertaking, but together, we have continued getting it done

Investing in our deputies means investing in safer communities. We remain “Of the People. For the People.”

10/17/2026

Building Relationships, Supporting Students, and Keeping Our Schools Safe. CCSO Commitment.

Great work by Deputy Hunter, who recently spent time with CMS students discussing harassment, intimidation, and bullying, helping provide them with tools to navigate challenges and advocate for themselves and others.
We're equally proud of the outstanding work our School Resource Officers do every day throughout the Chelan, Cascade, and Cashmere School Districts.

SROs do far more than provide school security. They build relationships, mentor students, support educators, and help create safe, positive learning environments.

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office remains committed to supporting our schools, students, staff, and families while prioritizing everyone's safety.

We're incredibly fortunate to have established such strong partnerships with our local school districts, and we look forward to continuing to build on them.

We are lucky to partner with the Chelan County Sheriff’s Department to have a full time School Resource Officer, Deputy Hunter. This week, Deputy Hunter presented to our CMS Health classes as part of their unit on Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying. Thank you, Deputy Hunter for helping give our students tools to advocate and navigate challenges!

10/15/2026

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying three suspects and a vehicle believed to be involved in a series of commercial burglaries in the City of Chelan.

The incidents took place during the evening hours of Friday, October 9th, and the early morning hours of Saturday, October 10th. During that time, seven local businesses were targeted. Surveillance footage captured the suspect inside and around several businesses on East Woodin Ave. Deputies believe the individuals entered and exited a staging area near the intersection of Nixon St and North Columbia St in Chelan.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area, or who has surveillance, dash camera, or other video footage from that time frame to contact the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office. Information about a vehicle potentially associated with the incidents may also assist deputies.

Anyone with information or video is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office via Rivercom non-emergency line at 509-663-9911.

10/14/2026

🌊 FLOOD MITIGATION RESOURCES – ENTIAT VALLEY

Free sand and sandbags are available to Chelan County residents to help protect private property from potential flooding.

📍 Preston Creek Turnout: Sand available on-site; sandbags located under the tarp.

📍 County Shop at Steliko: Sand available on-site; sandbags located in the Conex container.

Please share with those in the Entiat Valley who may benefit from these resources. Stay safe and prepared!

10/12/2026

🇺🇸 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY & COLUMBUS DAY - OCTOBER 12, 2026

Today, we recognize two observances that reflect important, and sometimes difficult, chapters of our nation's history.

Indigenous Peoples Day honors the rich cultures, traditions, resilience, and lasting contributions of Native American communities who have called these lands home since time immemorial.

Columbus Day recognizes a historic voyage that helped shape the course of world history, while also providing an opportunity to reflect on its lasting consequences.

While perspectives on these observances may differ, our commitment to treating one another with dignity, understanding, and respect should remain constant.

At the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, we recognize the importance of honoring our history, respecting our diverse communities, and working together toward a stronger future.
Different histories. Shared humanity. One community.

🇺🇸OF THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE🇺🇸