Category Archives: Press Releases

information about incidents around Clatsop county

Traffic Signals Not Working?

Traffic signals provide clear indication to drivers when it is safe to stop, go or slow down. In rare cases, a traffic signal may become inoperable, or the device may flash certain colors. If you approach an intersection and see the traffic signal is not functioning normally, follow these rules:

Flashing Red: If the traffic signal is flashing red, treat it as a stop sign and come to a complete stop at the intersection. Look carefully in all directions before proceeding. Other directions may have a different type of signal indication.

Flashing Yellow: If the traffic signal is flashing yellow, proceed cautiously through the intersection. You should also slow down and observe cross streets to determine if it is safe to proceed.

Inoperable (No Lights): If the traffic signal is completely inoperable, treat it as a 4-Way STOP. Remember that other drivers may not know how to react when a traffic signal is inoperable. Always stay alert and proceed cautiously through an intersection. No matter the condition of a traffic signal, you should always observe cross streets and other drivers to make sure you can proceed safely.

If the signal is on the state highway, you can call ODOT at1 (888) 275-6368. Otherwise call the Police Non-Emergency Line at (503) 325-4411.

Astoria Emergency Communications to resume operations in Astoria on May 9th, 2022

The City of Astoria has reached the end of the agreement for the combined dispatch center between the City of Astoria and the City of Seaside.  Astoria dispatchers will be resuming operation from the Astoria Emergency Communications Center effective at 6:00 AM on Monday May 9th.  The combined dispatch merger between Astoria and Seaside went into effect in November of 2021 with the goal of increasing staffing numbers for Astoria.  While some progress was made, it will take a few more months to realize the desired minimum number of staff for full operations.  In the meantime, Seaside has agreed to temporarily assign a certified dispatcher to Astoria on a full-time basis until a trainee nearing completion, is released to full status.  Astoria Emergency Communications Center will continue hiring efforts and still needs to hire and train 5 additional staff to meet the center’s authorized staffing.

“As we continue to address our staffing needs, our main priority continues to be to answering emergency 911 calls and managing our emergency responders in the field” said Interim Police Chief Eric Halverson. “In circumstances where our dispatchers are handling those types of calls, there may be delays in the length of time it takes for us to answer non-emergency lines. We would request the public’s patience if that is the case”, he said.

 

Astoria Police announce the implementation of a Community Resource Officer

The Astoria Police Department is pleased to announce it has recently filled a new position called Community Resource Officer. The Community Resource Officer is a police officer whose responsibilities will be to focus specifically on concerns from both Astoria businesses and residents, related to community livability issues.  Some of those issues have been: abandoned shopping carts, derelict vehicles, camping, abandoned property, trash, public urination, and disorderly conduct.  The City of Astoria moved forward on support for this position based on the success that other cities have had when a specific officer was assigned to work on these complex issues.  The main focus of this position will be to address these concerns with a dedicated officer that will be able to be proactive, ensure continuity, and provide focus to the specific community concerns.

Senior Officer Kenny Hansen has been selected for this role.  The Community Service Officer will be partnering with a Clatsop Behavioral Health, Mobile Crisis Clinician, as part of this response.   Senior Officer Hansen has been with the Astoria Police Department for over 30 years and is a lifelong resident of Astoria.  He has served as the department’s liaison to Astoria’s unsheltered population since 2015.   

2019 Missing Astoria Woman’s remains located.

On March 10, 2022 a report was made to the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office about possible human skeletal remains that had been found on Lois Island.  This island is located in the Columbia River between Tongue Point and the John Day river outlet.

Detectives from the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police and Astoria Police Department, along with the Clatsop County Medical Examiner responded to investigate.  During the investigation it was determined that the remains were human, and had been in that location for some time.

The Oregon State Police Medical Examiner’s Office has positively identified the remains as those of  Maya Sanders, who was 29 years old when she was reported missing on March 12, 2019.

During the investigation of Ms. Sanders’ disappearance in 2019; it was determined that the last known location of Ms. Sanders was in the North Tongue Point area.  Lois Island is near Ms. Sanders’ last known location.  At this time there is nothing in the investigation to suggest that Ms. Sanders was a victim of criminal activity.

Additional information is linked below:

http://astoria.response.news/missing-person-investigation-update/

 

 

Astoria Emergency Communications Center non-emergency lines will be down for maintenance on 02/10/2022 From 6AM – 7AM

The City of Astoria phone system will be down on Thursday February 10th, 2022 between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM for routine maintenance.  This outage will also affect the non-emergency communications lines for Astoria Emergency Communications Center.  The lines will be back in service no later than 7:00 AM.  People wishing to contact  Astoria Police Department may temporarily call  Seaside Police Department at 503-738-6311 during the outage.  If you have an emergency, 911 lines will be in service and operational.

Astoria Emergency Communications Center non-emergency lines will be down for maintenance on 02/03/2022 From 5 AM – 7AM

The City of Astoria phone system will be down on Thursday February 3rd, 2022 between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM for routine maintenance.  This outage will also affect the non-emergency communications lines for Astoria Emergency Communications Center.  The lines will be back in service no later than 7:00 AM.  People wishing to contact  Astoria Police Department may temporarily call  Seaside Police Department at 503-738-6311 during the outage.  If you have an emergency, 911 lines will be in service and operational.

Ilwaco Washington woman arrested Wednesday following Astoria Safeway assault on Sunday August 8th, 2021

On August 11th, 2021 at 10:35 am, Moe Darling Mcleod, age 57 of Illwaco Washington, was arrested and booked at the Clatsop County Jail on charges of Felony Assault IV, Disorderly Conduct II and Criminal Mischief II, stemming from an incident that took place at Safeway in Astoria on Sunday August 8th, at approximately 3:51 PM.

The victim in the incident, following some concerning comments from a man about a sticker on her vehicle, began video recording the man concerned that something would happen to her vehicle.  She was then confronted by the man’s wife, Moe Mcleod, who verbally accosted her, then physically assaulted her.  A video taken by the victim was posted to social media and depicts the incident.  Following the posting, the Astoria Police Department has received multiple requests for information regarding the incident.

The victim called 9-1-1 and officers were on scene within two minutes.  One officer contacted the victim while another officer stopped the suspect approximately a block away from the scene.  All parties were initially interviewed regarding the incident, but the suspect was not taken into immediate custody pending additional investigation and collection of additional evidence.  The Astoria Police Department recognizes that the video released is very disturbing.  We thank those members of the public who have reached out with concern for the victim and with calls that justice be served.  Following the arrest, all reports and evidence will be forwarded to the Clatsop County District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.

** Update: Officer Sam Whisler Celebration of Life to be held July 21, 2021

UPDATE:  Previous versions streaming link was incorrect.  The correct streaming link is listed below —

The Celebration of Life Service for Officer Sam Whisler is open to the public and will be held Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 1:00 PM, at the Seaside Civic and Convention Center, 415 1st Ave, Seaside Oregon 97138.  The service will be livestreamed as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DORgEyzGsF4

Procession:

A motorcade procession involving family and emergency response vehicles, in honor of Officer Whisler, is scheduled to begin Wednesday, July 21, at 11:00 a.m. The procession includes law enforcement, firefighters and family.  Members of the public are encouraged to show their support by lining the streets along the main route which is as follows:

16th and Marine, West to Roundabout

Highway 101 South to Camp Rilea

Highway 101 South from Camp Rilea to Seaside

Broadway St. West to N. Columbia St.

N. Columbia St. North to First Ave.

First Ave. East to Convention Center Entrance

Officer Sam Whisler Memorial Route

During the procession, area travelers should be prepared for temporary road closures, traffic congestion and delays along the route, especially on Hwy 101 and in the downtown Seaside core.

If you are planning on driving in these areas between the hours of 11:00 am through 1:00 pm for the procession or shortly after the estimated end of the ceremony at about 2:30 pm, we encourage you to take an alternative route or delay traveling until the event has ended.

Public Attendance: Members of the public attending the event are encouraged to carpool, walk, ride a bicycle or take a shuttle. Parking in the immediate area of the Convention Center will be limited.  Shuttle Service will be offered to and from the Convention Center.  Shuttle pick up and drop off locations will be located at  North Coast Christian Fellowship, 2245 N. Wahanna Rd., Seaside, Broadway Field, 1400 Broadway St., Seaside and American Legion Seaside, 1315 Broadway St., Seaside.  Please avoid bringing bags into the venue other than purses or other small bags with personal belongings.  Any bags brought into the venue will be subject to search for the safety of the event.

Additional Information:

For additional information regarding Officer Sam Whisler please visit https://www.astoria.or.us/Officer_Sam_Whisler_.aspx