Sgt. James Kelly and Officers Jason Haigwood, Justin Reinier and Philip Wilkening identified as officers involved in shooting
The Southwest Washington Independent Investigative Response Team (SWIIRT), led by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, is conducting the independent investigation of the Vancouver Police Department’s (VPD) officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred on June 17.
The involved officers are being identified as follows:
Sergeant James Kelly
- The Vancouver Police Department hired Sgt. Kelly in August 2015. He previously worked as a reserve deputy for the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s and as a police officer for the Longview Police Department. His assignments at VPD have included patrol and working as a detective in the East Neighborhood Response Team. Sgt. Kelly was promoted to Sergeant in January of 2022 and is currently assigned to West Patrol.
Officer Jason Haigwood
- The Vancouver Police Department hired Ofc. Haigwood in November of 2019. His assignments at VPD have included patrol, collateral duty as a member of SWAT, and collateral duty as a Sexual Assault Investigator. He is currently assigned as a K9 handler with his K9 partner Remi to East Patrol.
Officer Justin Reiner
- The Vancouver Police Department hired Ofc. Reiner in May of 2020. He previously worked as a police officer for the Maui Police Department. His assignments at VPD have included patrol and collateral duty for the Public Order Specialist Team. He is currently assigned to West Patrol.
Officer Philip Wilkening
- The Vancouver Police Department hired Ofc. Wilkening in July of 2020. His assignments at VPD have included patrol and collateral duty as a member of SWAT. He is currently assigned to East Patrol.
All four officers remain on critical incident leave. During the incident, VPD K9 Remi (assigned to Ofc. Haigwood) was shot in the tail. The K9 was transported to an emergency veterinary hospital, where he underwent surgery on his tail. K9 Remi was released from the hospital on June 18th and is recovering at home and is doing well.
On the date of the incident, investigators completed scene documentation and evidence collection. Investigators are now in the process of reviewing Body-Worn Camera (BWC) video files and statements from the involved officers.
Per WAC 139-12-030, which governs independent investigations, additional updates will be provided weekly.
Information provided by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Also read:
- VIDEO: Rejected – WA SOS will not process referendum to repeal income tax law
State officials stopped Let’s Go Washington’s referendum to overturn the new tax, citing constitutional limits. Legal and political battles, including a Supreme Court challenge, are expected next. - Washington’s studded tire deadline is March 31
Drivers must remove studded tires by March 31 or face a $137 fine, with WSDOT urging early action due to busy service centers and no planned deadline extension. - Community in Action: Police cruisers ‘crammed’ with snacks to benefit local students
Nearly 8,500 snacks filled police cruisers at Fred Meyer as the community rallied to stock high school pantries and build new relationships. - Southwest Washington lawmakers to hold a series of town hall meetings throughout the 17th Legislative District
Sen. Paul Harris, Rep. Kevin Waters, and Rep. David Stuebe will answer questions and discuss the state’s expanded operating budget and newly passed income tax at five April town halls. - Can your wellness routine be harming your teeth?
Dental enamel can’t regenerate once damaged, but steps like using a straw, rinsing with water, and choosing fluoride toothpaste can help protect your teeth from acidic beverages. - Vancouver Police investigate attempted murder
A 29-year-old man suffered critical injuries in a stabbing incident on NE 12th Street, with the alleged assailant Jason Johnson now facing multiple felony charges after release from medical care. - Project 42: It is an income tax, not a millionaire’s tax
Project 42 co-founder Dann Mead Smith urged Clark County residents to organize against the new income tax law, emphasizing it can be expanded to reach more than just millionaires.
