Deputies deployed the Sheriff’s Office patrol vessel to lend assistance to the stranded boat and its occupants. Upon arriving, deputies observed the occupants attempting to restart the vessel. Deputies also recognized one of the occupants of the vessel whom they identified as Eric V. Trent, age 47 of South Bend. Deputies discovered that Trent had an outstanding Felony warrant for his arrest.
The stranded boat was able to restart the motor and fled up river. Deputies followed the boat at a safe distance and were able to catch up to the boat approximately three miles up the Willapa River. Several other officers driving along the river assisted the deputies in the patrol vessel updating the fleeing boats whereabouts.
Upon contacting the boat, deputies observed that Trent had fled the boat to land leaving the boat with his female companion. The Pacific County Sheriff’s apprehension K-9 and his handler were called to the scene to start a track on the suspect. After a short time, the K-9 handler gave verbal commands to the general area that the suspect was last observed, notifying the suspect that a police K-9 was going to be deployed. The suspect, Trent, surrendered without incident. Trent was transported to the Pacific County Jail for booking. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Raymond Police Department.
Sheriff Scott Johnson praised everyone in the inter-agency response, and noted the value of the Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol and K-9 units. Sheriff Johnson noted that Pacific County is comprised of over 225 square miles of water, and our patrol vessel has proven valuable in a number of rescues and apprehensions since we re-established the unit in 2012. Johnson said, “The suspect in this case is very well known for fleeing from law enforcement, however he clearly gave up without incident due in large part to his realization that our K-9 would not have allowed him to get very far”.