Brian E. Kangas, age 34, of Battle Ground, was taken into custody for the alleged murder of 73-year-old Gary R. Bender

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit has arrested a suspect in connection with a homicide that occurred in a residence Monday (April 27) in the 19700 block of NE Davis Road.

Brian E. Kangas, age 34, of Battle Ground, was taken into custody for the alleged murder of 73-year-old Gary R. Bender.

At approximately 11:13 a.m., Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) received a 9-1-1 call from a neighboring residence reporting gunshots heard. Deputies responded and located Bender inside his home with apparent gunshot wounds to his chest. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Witnesses reported Kangas and Bender were alone inside the residence prior to the shooting. After the incident, Kangas was seen leaving the area on a bicycle.

Deputies located Kangas near the intersection of NE 182nd Avenue and Risto Road. He was taken into custody without incident at approximately 11:42 a.m. Kangas was in possession of a handgun, which was seized as evidence.

This investigation remains active. No additional updates are anticipated.

The Bender family has requested privacy as they grieve their loss.

Information provided by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.