FOREST GROVE, Ore. – Several agencies have confirmed they are looking into a death at a remote property in Forest Grove following early reports of a vehicle fire.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office, which is among the agencies at the scene, informed KATU News that there is an “ongoing investigation in the area,” and that the agency cannot share further information at this time, but will release more details shortly.
A drone was sent up over the scene, and a Hillsboro Police mobile command vehicle was also spotted in the vicinity.
we arrived at the scene on 47350 Northwest Otis Lane in Forest Grove after receiving reports of a vehicle fire.
Forest Grove Fire & Rescue spokesperson Dave Nemeyer told KATU News that firefighters were called to a car fire around 5 a.m. this morning and noticed “suspicious circumstances,” before handing the scene over to the sheriff’s office.
Death investigation underway near Forest Grove after early morning car fire
Dispatch audio from firefighters indicated there was at least one death at the location. “We do have a deceased victim here. We are going to need law enforcement,” a firefighter said in the audio.
Later, another transmission said, “We need a police unit, or a sheriff’s office unit code 3 at the scene. Just in case, we have 2 victims here.” A third transmission added, “This is some suspicious circumstances certainly. So we’re going to take our hoses and get out of here, and let the sheriff’s office clear this.”
RELATED | Man found dead from gunshot wounds in home with children in Longview; suspect arrested
The fire agency confirmed they did not treat anyone at the scene before calling law enforcement.
The investigation was being conducted on Northwest Otis Lane, a dead-end street off Hillsdale Road.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office confirmed only that it is conducting a “death” investigation. Deputies have not said how many victims were at the scene.
A WCSO spokesperson confirmed to KATU that a reverse 911 call was sent out to residents in the area initially but has since been lifted. A reverse 911 call is a public safety system that allows law enforcement and other local authorities to send emergency notifications to residents in a specific geographic area.
KATU News reached out to some residents listed in the area and received no response.
Agencies at the scene told KATU News there is a large amount of ground to cover and they expect to announce more official information Sunday morning.
KATU crews are on the scene and this article will be updated as more information becomes available.
Leave a Comment