PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Clark County Sheriff Chuck Atkins held a press conference on Monday morning to talk about Detective Jeremy Brown, the 15-year veteran killed in the line of duty Friday night.
Atkins talked about the detective and the way he will be honored but did not discuss the ongoing investigation that is being led by the Vancouver Police Department. He did say that the arrest of the third and final suspect, Guillermo O. Raya, on Sunday did provide some comfort and resolve as the community moves forward.
The sheriff described Brown as a man of faith and as someone who talked about how much he loved his family, along with the friendships he had in the community.
“First and foremost, I’d like to say to Jeremy’s family, how sorry I am that this happened. I can only imagine what you’re going through, and I pray for each of you and that you have the support of those you love to get you through this difficult time — because this is something that will go on for a lifetime, this isn’t something that goes away,” Atkins said. He spoke to the strength he’s seen exhibited by the family and in particular, Detective Brown’s wife, Jill.
“I was amazed by the strength and courage of Jeremy’s wife, Jill,” Atkins said. “I can
see her as I’m saying this, so strong and also so much like her husband — family-oriented — and made it clear she wanted to be the one that personally contacted each of her kids so they didn’t hear this tragic news somewhere else.”
Atkins also reminisced on the final time he talked to Detective Brown. Brown had come to Atkins to discuss the future of his career. Brown was on the sergeant promotion list — a position Atkins says is one of the most critical in any agency.
Because Brown was soon due for that promotion, Atkins announced the late detective will henceforth be known as Honorary Sergeant Jeremy Brown.
“For those that worked with Jeremy and knew him and his other family — the Clark County Sheriff’s Office — I am heartbroken for the impact that this has had on you individually and on a bigger scale, on every Clark County Sheriff’s Office employee that was graced with Jeremy’s quick smile and his kind heart,” Atkins continued. “Having been in your shoes earlier in my career, I know what it’s like and it’s something that you’ll always remember. And as you should, you will honor Jeremy as you do your job of protecting and serving in your noble profession of law enforcement.”
The memorial service is currently being planned. Atkins said the service will be exactly what the Brown family wants. Brown, 46, leaves behind a wife and 5 adult children.
Atkins said all donations addressed to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Brown Family Memorial Fund will go directly to the family to offset their expenses. Those donations can be deposited at any IQ Credit Unions. Atkins also warned of any fake fundraising pages that are not associated with the family.
Details of the incident
Around 6:52 p.m. Friday, Brown was inside his car doing surveillance at the Pointe Apartments on NE 109th in east Vancouver, authorities said. Gunshots were heard and apartment complex residents around that time saw Brown had been shot in the chest while sitting in his vehicle.
At that same time, other units in the area were not able to reach Brown.
Brown was rushed to PeaceHealth Southwest for emergency treatment. He later died. He was 46.
Three people were later arrested in connection with the shooting. Abran Raya-Leon, 28, and 35-year-old Misty M. Raya, were arrested in the early hours of Saturday after an extensive search. The third suspect, Guillermo O. Raya was arrested Sunday in Salem by the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender task force and the Salem Police Department.
KOIN 6 News will have more information later in the day.
