DEADLY COUNTERFEIT PILL WARNING |
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FAKE AND FATAL: CAL EPSTEIN'S STORY |
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Law enforcement agencies across the Portland Metro area acknowledge a dramatic increase in fatal drug overdoses throughout the community. With more stringent restrictions to obtain prescription opioids, a significant increase in the demand for easily accessible counterfeit pills has emerged. Health officials warn against consuming any drug not obtained from a pharmacy as they may contain deadly amounts of fentanyl. In response to this accelerating trend, people should assume that any pill sold on the street could be fatal.
This year-to-date in Washington County, the Westside Interagency Narcotics Team (WIN) has seized more than 17,000 pills suspected as counterfeit. In comparison, the team seized fewer than 14,000 pills throughout all of 2020.
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The deadly counterfeits appear like common pharmaceutical painkillers, like oxycodone, and often require an expert to tell the difference. However, these pills contain fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, like morphine but up to 100 times more potent. Counterfeit pills are especially dangerous because the amount of fentanyl varies per pill, even within the same batch. Fentanyl is often, unbeknownst to the user, mixed with other drugs such as methamphetamines, ecstasy, and benzodiazepines. Just two milligrams of fentanyl, the weight of a mosquito, could mean death. |
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Youth are among the highest at risk, enticed by social media advertisements, easy accessibility and low cost. Many families in Washington County, like the Epstein’s of Beaverton , have lost children to these deadly counterfeits. School District Superintendent Don Grotting confirmed, "These students thought they were purchasing Oxycontin or Xanax on social media; they had no idea they were getting deadly fentanyl and that one pill could kill them. Educating our students about this danger has become one of our highest priorities."
The Sheriff's Office urges community members to share this information and engage in open dialogue with youth. Reference our drug awareness flyer for additional resources and insight.
Signs of overdose include:
- Pale or clammy skin
- Bluish or pale lips and fingernails
- Limp body
- Slow or no breathing
- Vomiting or foaming at the mouth
- Difficult to or not able to awaken
Resources:
Through Safe Oregon, participating schools and their students can report when they see drugs advertised on social media platforms.
Naloxone is a medication that counteracts the effects of opioids and can reverse an overdose. Oregon's Good Samaritan Law protects both the person administering naloxone and the person overdosing from prosecution.
Anyone can obtain free fentanyl test strips and naloxone kits through Washington County Health and Human Services (HHS) every Wednesday from 12-4 at Dairy Creek Park. Fentanyl strips effectively test pills before they are consumed.
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CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH |
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An unfortunate reality is that not every child experiences happy and fulfilling upbringings. The Washington County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) is committed to protecting children, advocating for them, and remaining proactive against child abuse. Spreading awareness and prevention efforts are vital to enhancing public safety for these children and families.
Local trends identified by our investigations team note that child abuse reports have declined over the last year throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the lack of physical interactions children receive outside of their homes can be accredited to decreased reporting.
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Mandatory reporters miss opportunities to identify problems when unable to interact with the children.
Sheriff's Office Deputies and Investigators in our Child Abuse Unit remain attentive to identify situations when a child is at risk of abuse. They work closely with state and local entities to provide the children and families the help they need.
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A significant difference between a county Sheriff's Office and City Police Departments is the jurisdictions they serve. Predominantly, Sheriff's Deputies serve unincorporated areas while Police patrol within city limits. However, the Washington County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) uniquely provides a wide range of policing and law enforcement-related services to municipal partners, including the cities of Cornelius, Banks, Gaston, and North Plains. These partnerships provide the efficiencies of a larger agency at cost savings for smaller municipalities. WCSO is honored to serve and deliver public safety assistance for these areas. |
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2020 Municipal Partner Stats:
Cornelius
8,658 Calls for service
933 Priority 1 & 2 calls
13 Full-time employees
Banks
1,124 Calls for service
105 Priority 1 & 2 calls
2 Full-time employees
Gaston
636 Calls for service
43 Priority 1 & 2 calls
.75 FT employees
North Plains
2,010 Calls for service
137 Priority 1 & 2 calls
2.75 FT employees
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2021 WELCOMES 2 NEW CHIEFS OF POLICE |
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The City of Cornelius swore Lieutenant Bob Ray in as Police Chief on January 11, 2021. Chief Ray brings 23 years of law enforcement experience, including many leadership positions at the WCSO. Along with serving as a patrol sergeant for many years, Chief Ray was the WCSO Public Information Officer from 2012 to 2017. He continues to serve on the WCSO Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team in addition to his new duties. |
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North Plains swore Sgt. James Haxton in as Police Chief on February 1, 2021. Chief Haxton brings 22 years of patrol experience with WCSO. He has been an instrumental part of many special teams, including Mobile Field Force, Honor Guard, Canine Team, Tactical Negotiations Team, Marine Patrol, and Search and Rescue Supervisor (just to name a few!) Chief Haxton also served the Army National Guard and retired after 20 years. |
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The Washington County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue (SAR) team is a unique opportunity for youth ages 14-21 to be involved and make a difference. This team plays a key role in saving lives, solving cold cases, and keeping our communities safe. SAR responds to missions such as locating lost people, downed aircraft, and evidence in major crimes.
Despite COVID-19, this team of diligent cadets continued to respond to every call-out throughout 2020. SAR averages 50 activations per year, and last year still successfully managed 23 cases.
Important upcoming dates:
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Zoom Open House Meetings: May 3, 6:30 pm & May 15, 10:00 am
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Last day applications are accepted: May 21
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Interviews and physical test: May 29 & 30
For questions or for Zoom meeting information:
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Hillsboro Police Department (HPD) requested help searching for evidence after an armed robbery. SAR searched a wooded area along a creek bed and located the victim's property which the suspects had discarded. Discovering the property assists in court cases and brings relief to the victim to have their items returned.
911 dispatch received a call from a downed dirt bike rider at Roger's Camp who was severely injured and couldn't walk. The injured rider couldn't provide a location of his whereabouts. SAR was activated, and because of their quick and experienced response, they located and rescued the male safely, getting him the medical attention he needed.
SAR was activated to search for skeletal remains in Clackamas County. The Cadets found enough evidence for the forensics team to identify the missing person. These findings often bring closure and help answer questions for families and detectives. SAR often responds to lost individuals, many of whom they find swiftly, but assisting in cold cases is often where these valent youth put their hard-earned skills to the test.
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As schools return to in-person learning, take precautions while driving, slow down, and be extra vigilant in school zone areas.
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POWER CURVE - WOMEN'S SELF DEFENSE |
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WCSO will host an online women's self-defense and safety awareness class on May 11 from 6 pm to 8 pm. This course, taught by our expertly trained Defensive Tactics Team, coincides with the well-known Power Curve workshop with slight curriculum modifications to adapt to a virtual setting. Enrolment is complementary with limited capacity and open to Washington County residents. WCSO recommends this course to women 14 and older due to sensitive content regarding sexual assault and domestic violence.
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April is volunteer appreciation month, and though the opportunities have diminished over the past year, the Washington County Sheriff's Office wants to thank every single one of its esteemed volunteers. WCSO has 293 active volunteers between the ages of 14-80+ who together equate to an average of 18 full-time positions! Their innovation, compassion, and continued dedication to the community have provided bright light in a challenging time. WCSO looks forward to welcoming everyone back to service and can't wait to see what the year ahead will hold!
Thank you for helping show deep appreciation to all the amazing volunteers who serve our community!
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Made up of three critical units serving the entire county, the duties of the WCSO Civil Office are as unique and essential as the staff who work there. Unit Supervisor Todd Ehlert is no exception. Having held every position within the three units, Civil, Alarm Permits, and Concealed Handgun Licenses, he is uniquely qualified for his leadership role. His experience helps him understand each unit and allows him to step in and assist when needed.
Though hard to believe, given his achievements, Todd hasn't spent his entire career here. Before the Sheriff's Office, the construction field was his professional path. Compelled by the events of 9/11, Todd sought opportunities to make a positive impact and became a Reserve Deputy. "In construction, every day was like the movie Groundhog Day. Each day looked exactly like the next," Todd recounts. "I wanted to do more."
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With his foot in the door, Todd soon accepted a full-time position as a Civil deputy and continued to grow and take on new roles within the Civil Division. In 2019, the Oregon State Sheriff's Association even recognized him as Civil Support Staff of the Year.
Todd's work in Civil has more than fulfilled his desire to make a difference. One particularly memorable moment centered around the unit's daily task of handling restraining orders, when a woman returned to the office to revoke an order she'd filed the day before. Todd sensed that something wasn't right, and with a bit of inquiry, learned the man accompanying the woman was the subject of the order. Rather than revoking as requested, Todd served the man and immediately required him to leave. Once alone, the woman had a safe space to admit she was brought under duress and felt trapped with no means to escape. The civil office staff pooled personal funds to help her reach out-of-state family, and a deputy escorted her to the bus station to see her safely off. Todd happily confirmed she made it home, likely before her abuser realized she was gone. "I appreciate that working for WCSO, in just small amounts of time, we can play such a significant role in the lives of people around us. I'm glad I can make a difference here."
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Making a positive impact is his motivation, but Todd's interests span competitive bicycling, surfing, flight simulators, and most notably, creating art. Todd's art brings him joy as it's been a passion from a young age and adapted to overcome a lot, including mild color blindness and his over-eager apprentice, aka his cat. Some of his very own pieces can be seen on display when visiting the Civil Office! |
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