October 1, 2026
Today, I’m excited to share that the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is launching our new mobile app, available to the public beginning October 1, 2026. This is something we’ve been working
toward for quite a while, and I’m proud to finally put it in the hands of the people we serve.
This app gives residents and visitors quick access to important information, emergency alerts, and updates from our office. My goal is simple: to make it easier for you to stay informed, stay
connected, and stay safe.
“Our community deserves clear, timely information they can rely on. This app puts those tools directly into your hands and helps us stay better connected with the people we serve every day.
It’s one more step in making Douglas County a safer, more informed place to live and visit.”
I encourage everyone to download the app and use it to stay informed about what’s happening in Douglas County. Your safety and awareness matter, and this app is built with that in mind.
Respectfully,
Tyler I. Caille
Sheriff
David Radchanka Arrest Photo
On September 24, 2026, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office received notification from the U.S. Marshals Service that they had located and arrested David Radchanka, a 19-year-old resident of Roy, Washington.
Marshals took Radchanka into custody without incident near a gas station in Roy after conducting a traffic stop on a vehicle in which he was observed. He was booked into the Pierce County Jail on outstanding Douglas County felony warrants for the following charges:
• Manslaughter in the First Degree
• Arson in the First Degree
• Malicious Mischief in the First Degree
• Assault in the Third Degree (Six Counts)
On September 25, 2026, Douglas County Detectives responded to the Pierce County Jail and took Radchanka into their custody. Detectives then transported him to the Chelan County Regional Justice Center, where they booked him on the above-listed charges.
One suspect remains outstanding in this investigation, and detectives will continue their investigation until they can place them in custody.
I want to recognize the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force for their exceptional collaboration and steadfast partnership. Their efforts directly contributed to last night's arrest, bringing our county one step closer to closure from this tragic incident, which affected so many lives.
- Tyler I. Caille, Sheriff
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 September 17, 2026, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office received notification from the U.S. Marshals Service that they located and arrested Mark R. Okhrimchik, a 19-year-old University Place, WA resident, without incident. Okhrimchik was transported to the Tacoma Federal Courthouse, where Douglas County Detectives responded and took custody of him. Personnel from the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Okhrimchik on an outstanding Douglas County felony warrant for the following charges:
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100 19th Street NW, Suite A East Wenatchee, WA 98802 (509) 884-0941 Fax (509) 886-1045
• Manslaughter in the First Degree
• Arson in the First Degree
• Malicious Mischief in the First Degree
• Assault in the Third Degree (Six Counts)
Detectives subsequently transported Okhrimchik to the Chelan County Regional Justice Center, where he was booked on the above-listed charges.
Mark R. Okhrimchik Arrest Photo
Similar arrest warrants have been issued for three other suspects involved in this investigation. Our office will continue working with all our law enforcement partners to bring those individuals into custody.
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On September 17, 2026, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office received notification from the U.S. Marshals Service that they had located and arrested Valentin V. Tabunscic, an 18-year-old Tacoma, WA resident, and Julian A. Mikityuk, a 19-year-old Pacific, WA resident, without incident. These arrests occurred shortly after the Marshals located and arrested Mark R. Okhrimchik earlier that same day. Douglas County Detectives responded and took custody of both subjects from the U.S. Marshals Service. Tabunscic and Mikityuk were arrested near their residences on outstanding Douglas County felony warrants for the following charges:
• Manslaughter in the First Degree
• Arson in the First Degree
• Malicious Mischief in the First Degree
• Assault in the Third Degree (Six Counts)
Detectives subsequently transported Tabunscic and Mikityuk to the Chelan County Regional Justice Center, where they were booked on the above-listed charges.
Valentin V. Tabunscic Arrest Photo
Julian A. Mikityuk Arrest Photo
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Two suspects remain outstanding in this investigation. One suspect currently has an active arrest warrant, and a warrant for the second suspect will be issued once detectives complete positive identification.
Regular Board Meeting: September 10, 2026 at 4:00pm
Bumgarner Meeting Room, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson WA 98831
1. Call to Order
2. Flag salute
3. Agenda additions and deletions
4. Public comment
5. Review and approval of minutes (Action Item)
a. August 13, 2026 Regular Meeting
6. Financial review
a. Monthly financial report
b. Review and approval of monthly voucher (Action Item)
7. New business
a. Chelanathon vendor applications (Action Item)
b. 2027 Budget
c. 2028-2030 Levy
d. Aquatics program review
e. Pickleball court repairs
8. Old business
a. Project updates (see Director’s Report)
9. Director’s Report
10. Adjournment
HARVEST FEST
Harvest Fest 2026 is scheduled for October 2-4, with planning and preparation continuing as usual - the makings for the great Buckner chili were ordered today! Again, the possibility of change remains, with the intent of making notifications in as timely a fashion as is possible.
FIRE PREPARATION AT THE ORCHARD
While normal work at the Orchard goes on as usual and the apples continues to ripen, crews from a variety of agencies and from across the country spent two plus days providing support and fire protection for the historic structures and equipment. Building on previous fuel reduction around the historic buildings and mowing of the pasture by orchard staff and volunteers, the crew cleared handlines, set up pumps at the river, and placed an abundance of hoses and elevated sprinklers around buildings and equipment. The sprinkler system will only be used in the event of the eminent threat of fire.
AGNES CANCELLED
Agnes on Fire at the Orchard, scheduled for Saturday, September 12, has been cancelled. The uncertainty of air quality, the ability to practice, and the availability of band members have made this a difficult, but necessary decision on the part of the band. Uncertainty is the key word in this decision. They'll be back for Harvest Fest!
On September 2, 2026, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Detectives developed probable cause to arrest the primary suspect responsible for igniting the Chelan Hills Fire on July 4, 2026. Detectives traveled to Kent, Washington, where they located and arrested Michael Yakimov, an 18-year-old Kent resident. Detectives made the arrest without incident. Yakimov was subsequently transported back to Douglas County and booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center on the following charges:
• Manslaughter in the First Degree
• Arson in the First Degree
• Malicious Mischief in the First Degree
• Assault in the Third Degree (Six Counts)
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On August 31, 2026, the Douglas County Coroner’s Office confirmed the positive identification of the deceased individual located within the burned vehicle found during evacuation efforts related to the Chelan Hills Fire on July 4, 2026. The victim has been identified as Robert M. Lister, a 69-year-old resident of Orondo, Washington. Mr. Lister’s family has been notified of this updated information.
The Chelan Hills Fire resulted in significant loss, widespread disruption, and long-term impacts to residents throughout the Chelan Hills and McNeil Canyon areas. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the ongoing hardships faced by community members and remains committed to providing accurate information as the investigation continues.
Detectives are continuing their comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the ignition of the fire and the events that led to Mr. Lister’s tragic death. As further information becomes available, updates will be released to the public. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the patience and cooperation of the community.
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At approximately 12:06 a.m. on July 4, 2026, Douglas County Deputies responded to a reported brush fire near mile marker 233 on U.S. Highway 97. Working in coordination with local fire districts, deputies assisted in delivering numerous evacuation notices to residents impacted by the fire. Deputies have continued to support fire personnel as the incident has grown in size and complexity. State Mobilization was requested and approved for the fire at approximately 4:30 a.m. Firefighting efforts for what is now known as the Chelan Hills Fire are being managed by the SE Washington Type 3 Inter-Agency Team.
On July 5, 2026, deputies conducted follow-up on a report of a missing resident who lives in the affected fire area. Deputies located a vehicle that had slid off the roadway and was subsequently consumed by the fire. Human remains were discovered inside the vehicle, and the scene was investigated by Douglas County Detectives. The remains have been turned over to the Douglas County Coroner’s Office, which will work to obtain a positive identification of the deceased.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work with fire personnel to check the affected area for any additional residents who were unable to safely evacuate. Further updates regarding the fire’s activity will be coordinated between our office and the fire management team.
Chelan Hills Fire as seen from Manson 7-4-26
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.
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