The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported on April 13 that deputies apprehended Rafael Ortiz, a 29-year-old wanted for multiple felony warrants, with the help of K9 Griff near the 4900 block of SW Greensboro Way in Beaverton. The incident occurred on April 11 at approximately 5:48 p.m., after Ortiz fled from deputies into the Westside Trail and hid in blackberry bushes.
The case is significant because Ortiz was associated with a domestic violence assault case from March and had several outstanding warrants. According to the sheriff’s office, Corporal Sam Terry and his partner K9 Griff located Ortiz hiding along the trail near SW 160th Avenue. After Ortiz ignored commands to stop, K9 Griff apprehended him. Ortiz sustained puncture wounds during the arrest and was treated at a local hospital before being lodged at Washington County Jail.
Ortiz faces charges including assault in the fourth degree (felony), coercion, escape in the third degree, harassment, violation of a release agreement, and nine other outstanding warrants. The sheriff’s office said that K9 Griff is a six-year-old German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix who has been certified as a patrol dog through the Oregon Police Canine Association since partnering with Corporal Terry in April 2021; together they have made 146 captures.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office serves as the primary law enforcement agency for more than 600,000 residents across Washington County by providing patrol services, criminal investigations and jail operations according to its official website. The agency also engages in community outreach efforts and works alongside local organizations to improve safety education according to its official website.
Sheriff Caprice Massey became the first woman to serve as sheriff of Washington County according to its official website. The department emphasizes protecting and serving through integrity, professionalism and compassion according to its official website.
Anyone who witnessed this incident or has security camera footage is asked by authorities to contact non-emergency dispatch referencing WCSO Case# 50-26-4258.