On September 20, 2026, at approximately 2:22 p.m., deputies responded to the Plain Grocery Store in Plain, for a report of a shooting.
The investigation determined that 20-year-old Russell E. McClees was riding his motorcycle northbound on Chumstick Highway when he encountered 71-year-old Benjamin W. Barke, who was driving a pickup truck. A confrontation occurred shortly afterward in the parking lot of the Plain Grocery Store.
According to statements provided by both involved individuals and a review of security-camera footage from nearby businesses, Barke confronted McClees after the two encountered each other on the highway. The confrontation escalated into a physical altercation. Barke produced a handgun and pointed it at McClees. During the ensuing struggle, while Barke was attempting to knock over McClees' motorcycle, he dropped the handgun.
McClees retrieved the handgun and moved away from Barke. Barke continued toward McClees in an attempt to recover the firearm. McClees then fired one round, striking Barke in the left thigh, causing extensive injuries.
After the shooting, McClees asked a bystander to call 911. He also obtained a belt from inside the grocery store and used it as a makeshift tourniquet in an effort to control Barke's bleeding. McClees remained in the area until law enforcement arrived.
Barke was transported for medical treatment. Due to the severity of his leg injury, he was transported to Harborview Medical Center for specialized care. Detectives determined there was probable cause to charge McClees with Assault in the First Degree and Barke with Assault in the Second Degree. McClees was booked into the Chelan County Regional Jail on the first-degree assault charge and the charges of Assault in the Second Degree on Barke were referred to the Chelan County Prosecutors Office.
On 9/13/2026, at approximately 5:26 p.m., RiverCom dispatch received a text-to-911 report from a male who reported that he and his wife were stranded in the “core zone” of the Enchantments, his wife was unable to move, and he was unable to carry her out.
The area the couple was at is approximately 7,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation, with either trailhead approximately 8 to 10 miles away. Storms had persisted throughout the day, producing significant snowfall in the area. The male reported that both individuals' clothing were soaked and that they did not have overnight gear.
At approximately 5:49 p.m., the male reported that his wife was under an emergency blanket and that they were in approximately 1 to 2 feet of snow. Because of the remote location and deteriorating weather conditions, deputies determined the best option for a rescue would be the use of a helicopter if the weather cleared. However, the weather was preventing helicopter access to the area. At that point, the only other option was to get a ground team in as quickly as possible to try to warm her up. A ground rescue team was requested from Chelan County Mountain Rescue. They provide the quickest ground response possible.
At approximately 6:51 p.m., Sheriff’s Office personnel requested a hoist-capable helicopter if weather conditions improved. An Army helicopter launched from Yakima at approximately 8:00 p.m. but was unable to reach the couple because of the weather.
Throughout the evening, the male continued providing updates to RiverCom regarding his wife's deteriorating condition and the possibility that it was becoming fatal. Sheriff’s Office personnel continued requesting the Army attempt an aerial response in the event his assessment was inaccurate or his own condition became a medical emergency.
The Army helicopter made another attempt to reach the area at approximately 10:50 p.m., but again was unable to do so because of weather conditions.
At approximately 3:30 a.m., Chelan County Mountain Rescue personnel reached the couple. Rescuers reported the female was deceased and the male was suffering from severe hypothermia. They were able to warm him inside a tent.
On the morning of the 14th, the Army helicopter was able to reach the area and transport the male and two CCMR rescuers. They arrived at the Leavenworth fish hatchery at approximately 8:39 a.m. The male was transported by ambulance to Cascade Medical Center for medical treatment.
At approximately 9:47 a.m., an additional recovery flight was dispatched. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office helicopter transported two deputies from the fish hatchery to assist with the recovery operation. The deceased woman was recovered and turned over to the Chelan County Coroner’s Office. She was positively identified as 45-year-old Sybil Claborn from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Additional information regarding Claborn’s cause and manner of death is still under investigation by the Chelan County Coroner’s Office.
On August 18th, 2026 at approximately 8:15 pm and overdue hiker, 27-year-old Chad Pietrok of Portland Oregon was reported overdue. He was last heard from on August 11th as he entered the Ingalls Creek trailhead near highway 97. He was beginning a planned 4-day hike that would take him nearly 65 miles through the Ingalls valley over to the Esmeralda Basin, then into Jack Creek before going over Windy Pass to the Eightmile trailhead. Chad had already completed a through hike of the Enchantments prior to going to the Ingalls trailhead.
A Search and Rescue Deputy took the call and it was determined due to the time, an immediate response that evening would not be beneficial. Search and rescue efforts began the next morning. Throughout the next 2-1/2 days, searchers walked nearly every portion of Chad’s planned route as well as several potential off-course routes he could have gone. The area was also searched by helicopters, drones, and K9’s.
On August 21st, eleven ground teams deployed from various locations in Chelan and Kittitas Counties. At approximately 11:30 am, RiverCom dispatch received a text-to-911 from a hiker who indicated he was with Chad on the Jack Creek trail near the trailhead. The hiker recognized Chad as missing and offered to give him a ride back to his vehicle. A deputy was sent to contact Chad and the hiker. Chad was found healthy and uninjured. It had taken him longer to get through his hike than anticipated and he had experienced some trail conditions that were difficult to traverse.
Throughout this rescue, approximately 70 people and 3 dogs were deployed from the following agencies and volunteer groups: Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue, Chelan County Mountain Rescue, Chelan County SO Air Support Unit, Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office, Kittitas County Search and Rescue, Seattle Mountain Rescue, Yakima County SAR, King County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit, and US Forest Service.
Chelan County Sheriff’s Office is thankful for the help received from all of these groups
On August 17, 2026, at approximately 9:40 p.m., a Chelan County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to stop a vehicle observed traveling at an estimated 80–100 mph on East Woodin Avenue. The vehicle failed to yield and continued southbound on SR-150 before entering U.S. Highway 97 and crossing into Douglas County.
The vehicle eventually stopped in the middle of the Beebe Bridge and was found unoccupied. Deputies contacted a registered owner, who reported that her husband was the likely driver and expressed concern that he may have entered the river from the bridge.
Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and Washington State Patrol coordinated an area search. WSP later located the male registered owner near Chelan Falls Park. He was taken into custody without incident and transported for medical evaluation. A Designated Crisis Responder was also requested.
During the investigation, the man reportedly acknowledged entering the river from the bridge. Deputies also observed indicators consistent with possible alcohol impairment. A search warrant was obtained for a blood sample, which was collected and submitted for testing.
Charges for Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle and Driving Under the Influence have been forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for review. The investigation remains subject to prosecutorial review, and any person accused of a crime is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the coordinated efforts of the Washington State Patrol, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, medical personnel, crisis-response resources, and dispatchers. These collaborative efforts reflect our shared commitment to protecting the community, keeping our roadways safe, and responding professionally and compassionately to incidents involving potential danger to the public and individuals involved.
On August 17, 2026 at approximately 2:15 pm, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a report of a stuck vehicle near the end of the White River Rd, northwest of Lake Wenatchee. The vehicle was registered to Carl Pruitt, who had been reported missing from Wenatchee. On August 16, 2026 Washington State Patrol had issued a Silver Alert on behalf of Wenatchee PD for Pruitt.
Deputies responded to the area and located Pruitt’s unoccupied vehicle. Using drone technology, deputies immediately began to search the area. Shortly after, they located him deceased approximately one-third of a mile from his vehicle.
With the assistance of Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue, and Cascade Medical, deputies successfully recovered Pruitt and he was turned over to the Chelan County Coroner’s Office. Chief Deputy Coroner, Faye Fetters later positively identified the deceased as 86 year-old Carl Pruitt.
An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday. At this time, detectives have no reason to believe foul play was involved. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
On August 12th members of the Chelan County Assessor’s Office, Emergency Management, and Chelan County Fire District 8, went back to the upper Entiat valley and attempted to obtain an updated damage assessment of the damage caused by the Little Giant Fire.
A thorough assessment was able to be completed from the Snow Park (approx. mile marker 25) down through the valley.
The result of that assessment determined there were there were a total of at least 35 structures lost.
Of the 35 structures, 2 were primary homes, 13 were secondary home/cabins, and there were 20+ out buildings.
We understand the importance of maintaining an up-to-date assessment of the Little Giant Fire’s impact on properties. However, it is our priority to ensure that the information provided is as accurate as possible based on what is currently known. Additional information may become available as damage assessments continue when it is safe to do so.
8/9/2026
On the evening of Friday August 7, the Little Giant Fire became highly active in the upper valley under Red Flag Warning conditions. Despite the best efforts of firefighters, there were structures that were destroyed.
Fire activity in the area remained intense throughout Saturday and into that evening, making it unsafe for personnel to conduct a complete and accurate assessment of structure losses. As fire conditions improved slightly today, Chief Jones and personnel from the Entiat Fire Department entered the area to conduct an initial assessment. They determined that approximately 26 structures were destroyed.
2 primary residences, 3 cabins, and 21 outbuildings. However, unpredictable fire behavior, compromised trees, rolling debris, and other hazards continued to pose significant risks and limited
their ability to complete a full assessment of the damage.
As soon as conditions allow, the Chelan County Assessor’s Office will conduct a comprehensive assessment on the damage to include the total number of structures lost.
Chelan County Emergency Management will attempt to contact individual property owners with additional information as it becomes available.
The Little Giant Fire remains highly active in the area. Property owners will be permitted to return to their properties as conditions are determined to be safe. Your safety remains our absolute top priority. We understand how difficult and stressful this situation is for our community, and we greatly appreciate your continued patience, cooperation, and understanding during this challenging time.
For the latest information and updates on this, please refer to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and Chelan County Emergency Management websites and Facebook pages.
On the evening of Friday August 7, the Little Giant Fire became highly active in the upper Entiat Valley under Red Flag Warning conditions. Despite the best efforts of firefighters, there were structures that were destroyed.
Fire activity in the area remained intense throughout Saturday and into that evening, making it unsafe for personnel to conduct a complete and accurate assessment of structure losses. As fire conditions improved slightly today, Chief Jones and personnel from the Entiat Fire Department entered the area to conduct an initial assessment. They determined that approximately 26 structures were destroyed. 2 primary residences, 3 cabins, and 21 outbuildings. However, unpredictable fire behavior, compromised trees, rolling debris, and other hazards continued to pose significant risks and limited their ability to complete a full assessment of the damage.
As soon as conditions allow, the Chelan County Assessor’s Office will conduct a comprehensive assessment on the damage to include the total number of structures lost.
Chelan County Emergency Management will attempt to contact individual property owners with additional information as it becomes available.
The Little Giant Fire remains highly active in the area. Property owners will be permitted to return to their properties as conditions are determined to be safe. Your safety remains our absolute top
priority. We understand how difficult and stressful this situation is for our community, and we greatly appreciate your continued patience, cooperation, and understanding during this challenging time.
For the latest information and updates on this, please refer to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and Chelan County Emergency Management websites and Facebook pages.
Update 7/29/2026
The Chelan County Coroner, Earl Crowe, has identified the recovered body as 66-year-old Barry Dechenne of Wenatchee.
The cause and manner of death is still unknown, and remains under investigation by the Coroner’s Office and Chelan County Sheriff’s Office detectives.
# # #
On July 20, 2026, at approximately 7:38 p.m., the Chelan County Sheriff's Office received a report of human remains in the Columbia River near Rock Island Dam. Deputies responded to the area and confirmed the report.
Detectives and personnel from the Chelan County Coroner's Office responded by marine unit and recovered the remains from the river.
The Chelan County Coroner's Office is conducting an ongoing investigation to determine the identity of the deceased. Investigators have confirmed that the remains are not those of missing 18-year-old Erik Luna of Bridgeport.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is asked to contact the Chelan County Sheriff's Office.
*** Update July, 20th, 2026 ***
Sheriff Mike Morrison reports on July 17th, 2026 the body of the man who drowned in Lake Chelan on July 4th was recovered. Chief Deputy Coroner Faye Fetters positively identified the deceased as 43-year-old Dustin Hauanio. Chelan County Coroner Earl Crowe has ruled the death as asphyxiation due to freshwater drowning. The death was accidental.
During the past several days, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office obtained assistance from several outside agencies while attempting to locate Mr. Hauanio. Initially, Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office dive team assisted by sending divers and a tow behind side scan sonar. On July 15th, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office sent their sonar team with an additional tow behind side scan sonar. They were able to locate and mark an object at approximately 250 feet in depth that would need further investigation. As a result, on July 17th, Seattle PD Harbor Patrol responded with their ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle). They were able to examine the object and confirm it was a human body. Using the ORV, they successfully recovered the remains. Once brought to the surface, the individual was positively identified.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance provided by these partner agencies. Their specialized equipment and their willingness to go above and beyond was instrumental in in recovering Mr. Hauanio, helping bring closure to his family.
On July 16, 2026 at approximately 10:30 am, RiverCom received a report of an aircraft accident at the Cashmere Airport in Cashmere, WA. The aircraft, an autogyro, appeared to have veered off the runway while still on the ground and impacted a hangar on the airport grounds.
The pilot, a 69-year-old Leavenworth man was the only occupant and sustained injuries in the collision. He was transported to Confluence in Wenatchee for treatment.
FAA will be conducting the investigation into this accident.
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