David Ryel was unarmed at the time of his arrest and was booked for Attempted Kidnapping 1st degree and Felony Harassment
A man who told his victim he was “homeless and hungry’’ was arrested Saturday in an attempted kidnapping incident.
On Saturday (Oct. 29) at about 5:50 p.m., Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a robbery call at the Fred Meyer store in Hazel Dell. An elderly female customer called 9-1-1 to report a homeless male had gotten into the backseat of her car while she was seated in the driver’s seat, threatened her with a gun, then fled on foot.
Deputies arrived in the area checking for the suspect and one contacted the victim. She reported the male told her “I have a gun to your head. Just drive or I’ll shoot you in the head.” She told the male to get out of her car several times. The male apologized saying he was “homeless and hungry” then got out of her car and ran away.
The suspect was not located in the immediate area however a person matching the description was stopped and detained several blocks away. The female was able to provide a positive identification of the suspect.
David Ryel was unarmed at the time of his arrest and was booked for Attempted Kidnapping 1st degree and Felony Harassment.
Information provided by Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Also read:
- Rep. John Ley visits empty Brockmann mental health facility, calls for state to fund its operation
Rep. John Ley criticized the state for failing to fund the $42 million Brockmann mental health facility in Vancouver, which remains empty and fenced despite being ready for operation. - Washougal MX Park welcomes National and salutes military veterans as wellWashougal MX Park is once again hosting the FLY Racing Washougal National, also serving as the Pro Motocross Championship’s military appreciation event, with over 20,000 fans expected.
- Two GOP state lawmakers consider running against Gluesenkamp Perez
Two Republican state leaders, John Braun and Jim Walsh, are weighing campaigns to unseat U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, a nationally watched swing seat. - Opinion: Vancouver’s new $30 rental fee will increase rents in the cityMark Harmsworth argues Vancouver’s new $30 rental unit fee will raise rents, discourage investment, and worsen affordability, urging the city to repeal the policy and pursue market-driven housing solutions.
- Clark College launches Advanced Manufacturing Program Fall 2025Clark College will debut a new Advanced Manufacturing degree program in Fall 2025 at its Ridgefield facility, offering stackable credentials and hands-on training to support regional workforce needs.
- Opinion: The right speed to exitDoug Dahl of Target Zero explains that while exit-only freeway lanes follow the posted speed limit, drivers are legally required to reduce speed based on safety conditions as they approach offramps.
- Clark County seeks volunteers for four positions on the Clean Water CommissionClark County is seeking four new volunteers to serve on its Clean Water Commission, which advises on surface water quality and watershed health. Applications are due by Aug. 25.
