The deputy was in Skamania County driving back from training when his vehicle was struck by a falling tree

A Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputy that had to be extricated from his vehicle after a serious injury collision Wednesday is out of surgery and is listed in critical but stable condition.

On Wednesday (Feb. 22) at approximately 10:16 a.m., a Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputy was involved in a single vehicle, serious injury collision on Washougal River Road near Salmon Falls Road in Skamania County. The deputy was in Skamania County driving back from training.

The crash was serious enough that personnel from Camas Washougal Fire Department, Vancouver Fire Department, East County Fire and Rescue, and Skamania Fire used heavy extrication tools to remove the deputy from the patrol vehicle. 

The deputy was transported to a local trauma center. 

On Wednesday afternoon, the CCSO issued an update on its original report. 

“Our deputy is now out of surgery and being transferred to a hospital in Portland,’’ the report stated. “He had significant injuries, especially to his lower extremities. He is listed in critical but stable condition.’’

The update also included more information about the crash.

“Here is what we know as far as the crash is concerned,’’ the report stated. “It appears that the upper portion of a large tree broke off, possibly because of the heavy snowfall, and fell onto his patrol vehicle as he was traveling on Washougal River Road. 

“The portion of the tree that fell was significant in size. It appears to have struck the vehicle where the windshield meets the hood. The vehicle then came to rest just off the roadway against another tree. Several other law enforcement officers were traveling with him when the incident occurred. They were able to quickly provide first aid. A local public works truck was in the area and helped remove the tree which was across the vehicle prior to the arrival of fire and emergency medical personnel.’’

“Thank you to the personnel from the multiple fire and police agencies who responded to assist,’’ read each statement from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Information provided by Clark County Sheriff’s Office.