During short remarks Monday in Vancouver, Clark County Sheriff Chuck Atkins memorialized Detective Jeremy Brown, who was killed in the line of duty on Friday night.
Atkins said he was glad to share that the man suspected of shooting Brown had been arrested.
“That gives us a little comfort and a little resolve as we move forward,” Atkins told reporters.
On Sunday, Guillermo O. Raya was arrested in Salem on charges of first-degree aggravated murder and possession of a stolen firearm. He will be extradited to Clark County. Two other people connected to the killing were arrested hours after the shooting: Misty May Raya and Abran Raya Leon.
On Monday, July 26, 2021, Clark County Sheriff Sheriff Check Atkins honored Detective Jerry Brown, who was killed in the line of duty Friday night.
Conrad Wilson / OPB
Brown, 46, a nearly a 14-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, died at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver. Brown was about to be promoted to sergeant, Atkins said Monday. Moving forward, he said the Clark County Sheriff’s Office would refer to Brown as an honorary sergeant.
In what Atkins acknowledged was an emotional moment for him, the sheriff expressed his own personal sadness and offered condolences to Brown’s family.
“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 help get you through this difficult time,” Atkins said.
Atkins thanked other law enforcement agencies for their help immediately after the shooting, and for their support in the days since then.
Investigators still haven’t released details about the case Brown was working or what he was doing Friday night when he was shot and killed.
Court documents published Saturday show Guillermo Raya, Misty May Raya and Leon were together Friday night. Misty May Raya and Leon told investigators that Guillermo Raya believed they were under surveillance by a police officer in a maroon Jeep as the group drove from a Target store to The Pointe Apartments in east Vancouver.
Once at the apartment, Guillermo Raya left to confront the vehicle, taking an indirect route, before arriving at the driver side window of the Jeep, according to court documents. Guillermo Raya “appeared to be engaged in a verbal exchange with the occupant” before the others heard gunshots, court documents state.
OPB’s Troy Brynelson contributed reporting.
This is a developing story. Watch for possible updates.