Case number: OII-2025-0008
Olympia, Wash. (May 12, 2025)- The Washington State Office of Independent Investigations (OII) has set up a tip line as it investigates a use of deadly force incident that took place at 11:58 p.m., Wednesday, May 07 in Ridgefield, Wash.
Anyone who may have information regarding this case is asked to call the OII Tip Line at 564-250-6275.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) notified OII of the incident at 12:39 a.m. on May 08, as required by RCW 43.102.
According to CCSO, deputies arrested a man on suspicion of driving under the influence following a traffic collision. CCSO deputies then transported the man to the Ridgefield Port of Entry, a scale facility on Interstate 5, for a breathalyzer exam. During that process, CCSO reported that a deputy became involved in a physical altercation with the man during which he allegedly attempted to take the deputy’s firearm. The deputy then reportedly stabbed the man several times. The man died from his injuries.
At the time of notification, an OII investigation team was at the scene of a different use of deadly force incident in Kitsap County. Some investigators from that team were sent to Clark County, while others were sent to the scene from other OII regions, with the first arriving just after 4 a.m. on May 08.
In total, 10 OII investigators joined in the initial response to the incident in Clark County, with some coming from as far away as Spokane. A Washington State Patrol Crime Scene Response Team (WSP CSRT) arrived about 6:05 a.m. Together, OII and WSP CSRT remained at the location until 12:25 p.m. on May 08 to complete the collection of evidence, crime scene mapping, and processing of the scene.
The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the name of the deceased once identification is scientifically confirmed, as well as the cause and manner of death. The office is expected to conduct an autopsy early this week.
An OII family liaison has been assigned to work with the family of the deceased to ensure they remain informed on the status of the investigation.
As of Dec. 01, 2024, OII began responding to use of deadly force incidents. To manage its resources, OII is currently responding only to incidents in Southwest Washington and the Olympic Peninsula, an area designated by OII as Region 1- West. This region (one of six statewide) includes Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Clark, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Pacific, Jefferson, Kitsap, Skamania, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties.
In addition, OII only investigates incidents that result in a death. By statute, the agency is required to complete its investigations within 120 days. If more time is required, the agency must advise the OII Advisory Board of the reason for the delay.
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The state Legislature created OII in 2021 to conduct independent and unbiased investigations of deadly use of force by law enforcement. It works with an 11-member advisory board that reviews and provides input on agency policies. To view this on the web, visit oii.wa.gov/news-and-updates.
For media inquiries, contact Hector Castro, Director of Communications and Community Relations, at hector.castro@oii.wa.gov or 360-870-8115.