Sheriff describes staffing, a barricaded suspect, river recovery and growing abandoned motor-home problem; county and tow firms propose options

Sheriff Brian Snyder told the Board that most divisions are fully staffed except for dispatch, where two openings remain; two patrol officers are still in field training and one trainee is at the academy. He said the department’s move to a 12-hour schedule has reduced sick time and overtime overall.

Snyder described a recent felony-assault call that resulted in a “5 and a half hour stand barricade or standoff.” Deputies and a patrol sergeant obtained a search warrant with district attorney review and took the suspect into custody “without any further incident and no injury to our staff or to the suspect.”

Snyder also described a multi-day search for a motorcycle operator whose bike was found in the Columbia River; after a three-day effort and with assistance from Boardman Fire Department and the Columbia Basin dive team, the operator’s body was recovered and transferred for care.

A recurring issue is several abandoned motor homes and fifth wheels along Patterson Ferry outside Green Acres RV Park. Snyder said deputies are working with other county departments and state agencies to resolve the problem and noted potential costs and safety issues including asbestos testing. He said landfill acceptance requires drained oils and refrigerants and that full disposal could cost thousands per vehicle.

Code enforcement manager Caitlin (last name not specified) briefed the board on an operational plan: Bulldog Towing quoted approximately $500 per motor home plus mileage for towing to a facility; RS Davis Recycling in Hermiston expressed willingness to accept motor homes if the units are asbestos-tested first and would not charge an additional fee. Another local tow company (J and S in Boardman) estimated $2,500–$3,500 per motor home (including testing and dismantling). Caitlin said the county will need to determine how to fund towing and testing; she asked whether the sheriff’s office or other parties would cover costs.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to follow up with details and to return with a plan that clarifies funding and operational steps. No formal county appropriation was approved at the meeting.