All four of the victims were expected to survive the attack
Four victims injured in a stabbing incident at the New Phoenix and Last Frontier Casino in La Center Monday night are expected to survive the attack, which led to the arrest of a 41-year-old Vancouver man.
On Monday (Dec. 12) at about 11:47 p.m., law enforcement from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), La Center Police Department (LCPD), Ridgefield Police Department (RPD), and Cowlitz Tribal Police Department (CTPD) responded to a report of a stabbing attack on multiple people at the New Phoenix and Last Frontier Casino.
Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) received several 9-1-1 calls from people at the casino stating at least three people had been stabbed in what was described as a random, unprovoked attack. Several employees and visitors at the casino witnessed the event and attempted to confront the suspect but he was still armed with what was described as a hunting knife. The suspect, described as a bald, heavy-set male, approximately in his mid-40’s with a gray hoodie, fled the location in a white Nissan sedan that was reported to be heading toward Interstate 5.
At the casino, a total of four victims were transported by American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance crews to the hospital with knife wounds. Law enforcement from multiple agencies secured the crime scene and began gathering more information.
At 12:01 a.m. (Dec. 13), CCSO deputies reported a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle description traveling south on Interstate 205, the driver matched the suspect description. Based on the details of this incident, a pursuit was authorized.
The suspect vehicle continued south on Interstate 205 at speeds in excess of 100 mph, eventually taking the exit to NE Padden Parkway. The suspect vehicle continued eastbound on NE Padden Parkway at speeds between 90 and 110 mph. The suspect vehicle slowed, and a pursuit immobilization technique was used to stop the vehicle and discontinue the pursuit. The driver was taken into custody without further incident. Deputies confirmed that the driver matched the suspect in the attacks.
The CCSO Major Crimes Unit (MCU) was called out to investigate. Detectives with the Vancouver Police Department Major Crimes Unit assisted in the investigation.
Detectives were able to review video from the casino. The video showed the suspect sitting at a poker table when he reached down with his right hand and grabbed something. Without provocation or warning, the suspect then appeared to stand and began to stab the male sitting to his left approximately five times in the head and chest area. Multiple patrons attempted to intervene, but the suspect began swinging the knife at them. The suspect then approached a female that was sitting at the same poker table and appeared to try and stab the female three times. The suspect then chased a male outside into the parking lot while swinging at the male. The male fell to the ground and the suspect appeared to stab him two more times. A large amount of blood was on the ground in the parking lot where he was stabbed. The suspect was then seen getting into a white sedan and driving off.
The suspect was identified as Scott R. Harmier, 41, of Vancouver. Harmier was booked into the Clark County Jail on four counts of Assault in the first degree, a Class A felony.
All four of the victims were expected to survive the attack. Three were released from the hospital this morning and one was admitted for further observation.
Information provided by Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Also read:
- Opinion: Neighbors for a Better Crossing urges Oregon Legislators to demand full audit of IBR project, echoing Washington’s HB 2669
Gary Clark of Neighbors for a Better Crossing urges Oregon lawmakers to pursue an audit of the Interstate Bridge Replacement project similar to Washington’s HB 2669 proposal. - Opinion: ‘Privacy’ is not a license for government secrecy – Supreme Court’s Mirabelli Ruling puts Washington’s school parental notification policies on notice
Vicki Murray argues a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on parental notification policies could affect Washington’s approach to student gender identity nondisclosure in schools. - WA Senate narrowly advances bill to reduce education spending by $176M through 2031
The Washington Senate passed a bill by a 25-24 vote that would reduce and delay some education funding to help address the state’s budget shortfall. - Opinion: Climate Commitment Act – Washington’s hidden carbon tax hits hard
Opinion, columns, Washington state, Climate Commitment Act, CCA Washington, Washington carbon tax debate, Washington gas prices, Nancy Churchill, Dangerous Rhetoric, Washington climate policy, Washington fuel costs, Travis Couture, Washington Department of Ecology, Washington Department of Commerce, Washington carbon credit auctions, Washington cap and trade program, Washington environmental policy - Legislation from Rep. David Stuebe to strengthen Medicaid support for emergency ambulance services moves closer to becoming law
A bill from Rep. David Stuebe updating Medicaid reimbursement for emergency ambulance services passed the Senate and now heads to the governor’s desk. - Coffee Caturday is this Saturday in Battle Ground sounds purrrrrfect
Coffee Caturday on March 7 will bring pet-themed vendors, coffee, and donation opportunities to the Battle Ground Senior Center. - WA governor: Passage of income tax could slip to 2027
Gov. Bob Ferguson warned Washington lawmakers may need until 2027 to finalize a proposed tax on income above $1 million as negotiations continue over how to use the revenue.
