It was determined that Sgt. Richard Kelly died Aug. 10 from the combined toxic effects of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine
The Clark County Medical Examiner has determined that Battle Ground Police Sgt. Richard Kelly died from the combined toxic effects of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine. Sgt. Kelly was discovered unconscious in his office at the Battle Ground Police Department and was later pronounced deceased at a local hospital on August 10. To maintain transparency and an unbiased investigation, Battle Ground Police Chief Mike Fort immediately requested the assistance of the Vancouver Police Department to conduct an independent investigation into the matter.
Detectives with the Vancouver Police Department have now completed their independent investigation of the physical evidence observed at the scene, a review of the Clark County Medical Examiner’s report,and the toxicology reports. They have concluded Sgt. Kelly’s death was “more likely than not caused by an intentional act and not an incidental workplace exposure.”
Kelly’s family was notified of the findings earlier this week after the investigative report was released October 18.
Chief Fort said, “I want to thank the community and other law enforcement agencies once again for their compassionate support of the men and women of the Battle Ground Police Department as we grieved through the shock of this death. Sgt. Kelly’s unexpected passing was a significant and traumatic event for his co-workers, family, and friends.”
In addition to the death investigation, Chief Fort ordered an independent audit of the Department’s property and evidence procedures, including how seized narcotics are handled. Appropriate training and procedural changes will be implemented based on the findings of the audit, and/or any additional administrative review.
“Substance abuse is a serious problem that often goes unsuspected and undetected,” Chief Fort acknowledged. “As a community, we need to support local efforts to assist anyone struggling with the effects of mental health and substance abuse so they may achieve recovery.”
Information provided by city of Battle Ground.
Also read:
- Signatures filed for initiatives on parental rights, blocking trans athletes from girls’ sports
Supporters of two initiatives on parental rights and transgender participation in girls’ sports filed signatures Friday, moving the measures closer to consideration by Washington lawmakers. - Vancouver Police investigate shooting
Vancouver Police are investigating a fatal shooting reported early Jan. 3 outside the Off-Ramp Sports Bar on Northeast 112th Avenue. - Vancouver Police release critical incident video from Dec. 28 officer-involved shooting
Vancouver Police Department released a Critical Incident Video related to a December 28 officer-involved shooting while the Office of Independent Investigations continues its review. - Opinion: Transit agencies need accountability not increased state subsidy
Charles Prestrud argues that Washington transit agencies face rising costs and declining ridership due to governance structures that lack public accountability. - Letter: ‘For years, American foreign policy too often felt like a blank check’
Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi argues that the 2025 National Security Strategy marks a long-overdue shift toward clearer priorities, shared responsibility, and interest-based American leadership. - POLL: Are you better off than you were a year ago?
This week’s poll asks readers to reflect on their personal financial situation and whether they feel better off than they were a year ago as economic conditions continue to shift. - Opinion: Does tailgating cause speeding?
Target Zero Manager Doug Dahl examines whether tailgating contributes to speeding and explains why following too closely increases crash risk with little benefit.
Does Battle Ground Police department administer random drug test? They should.