Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Domestic Violence Shooting Incident
By Cole Goodwin
On February 7, 2023 at approximately 9 p.m. Klickitat County Sheriff's deputies responded to a domestic violence call at 1110 Loganberry Lane in White Salmon. According to a release from Sheriff Bob Songer, the 911 dispatch informed officers that gunshots were fired and there was a victim with a gunshot wound.
The victim, Wayne Petersen, age 69, was transported to Skyline Hospital by the shooting suspect, Rick Regan Petersen, age 67, who is the victim's brother. Officers from the Bingen-White Salmon Police Department and the Skamania County Sheriff's Office made contact with the suspect at Skyline Hospital.
It appears that Wayne Petersen and his wife had an argument, and his wife left their residence to get away from Wayne and went to her brother-in-law and his wife’s home. Wayne Petersen later arrived at his brother's home to retrieve his wife, which resulted in a verbal argument and physical struggle. Rick Petersen retrieved a firearm from a gun safe and shot Wayne.
Rick Petersen was taken into custody and booked at Klickitat County jail and charged with Assault 1. Wayne Petersen was transported to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland, where he is recovering from his injuries.
On February 8th, Prosecuting Attorney David Quesnel had Rick R. Petersen released from jail with no charges filed at this time pending further investigation. The Klickitat County Sheriff's Office Detective Division is continuing the investigation.
Sheriff Songer expressed gratitude to the Bingen-White Salmon Police Department, Skamania County Sheriff's Office, Washington State Patrol, Klickitat County 911 dispatchers, and Skyline Hospital medical staff for their assistance in this domestic violence shooting incident.
Domestic violence incidents are a serious problem in our communities and can have tragic consequences. Victims of domestic violence are encouraged to seek help and resources available to them. DV Victims in Klickitat County can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or Washington Gorge Action Programs at 844-493-1709 for assistance.
