Washington County Sheriff's Office - Utah

10/20/2026

🌧️ STORM SYSTEM HEADING INTO WASHINGTON COUNTY 🌧️

A storm system is expected to impact Washington County on Wednesday, October 21, and Thursday, October 22, 2026. The greatest potential for heavy rainfall and strong winds is expected Wednesday evening.

⚠️ PREPARE BEFORE THE STORM!

If your home or property is prone to flooding, take steps now to reduce your risk. Don't wait until flooding begins!

🏠 Protect Your Property
• Place sandbags where water could enter structures.
• Clear gutters and drainage areas where safe.
• Consider landscaping improvements to divert water away from buildings.
• Secure outdoor furniture and other loose items before strong winds arrive.

🎒 Emergency Preparedness Essentials
• Have food, water, medications, flashlights, and batteries available.
• Charge phones and backup power banks.
• Prepare for possible power outages.
• Review your family emergency plan and know how to receive emergency notifications.

🌊 FLASH FLOOD SAFETY — GO AROUND, DON'T DROWN!

Stay away from washes, slot canyons, low-water crossings, and flood-prone areas.

NEVER drive or walk through flooded roads. Floodwaters can be deeper and faster than they appear. Flash flooding can also occur downstream, even when it isn't raining where you are.

📲 STAY INFORMED

🔹 protect.genasys.com — Know Your Zone and check evacuation status.

🔹 911register.com — Register for emergency notifications.

🔹 washco.utah.gov — County information and preparedness resources.

Preparedness starts at home! Take action before the storm to protect yourself, your family, your property, and your neighbors.

Washington County Emergency Management

10/02/2026

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah - On Friday, October 2, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office conducted a joint enforcement operation with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Utah Attorney General’s Office, Utah Adult Probation and Parole, and the Hurricane City Police Department. The operation followed a months-long investigation into an organized fraudulent document and identity theft operation in Washington County, Utah.

The investigation, led jointly by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and HSI with support from the Utah Attorney General’s Office, identified an organized network suspected of producing, distributing, and using fraudulent or stolen identity and immigration documents. Investigators identified numerous individuals suspected of using fraudulent documents or stolen identities to obtain employment.

Investigators also identified multiple victims whose personal identifying information was allegedly stolen or fraudulently used. These victims included both United States citizens and lawful permanent residents.

As part of Friday’s enforcement operation, law enforcement officers served warrants at three residences in Washington County and arrested 12 individuals in connection with the investigation.

This operation demonstrates the importance of cooperation among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in identifying and disrupting organized criminal activity. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to Homeland Security Investigations, the Utah Attorney General’s Office, Utah Adult Probation and Parole, and the Hurricane City Police Department for their partnership, resources, and continued support throughout this investigation.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting the residents of Washington County, safeguarding victims of identity-related crimes, and working alongside our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable those involved in criminal activity.

This investigation remains active and ongoing and additional arrests are anticipated. Additional information may be released as appropriate.

09/30/2026

MEDIA RELEASE
09/30/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S DETECTIVES ARREST YOUTH TREATMENT CENTER EMPLOYEE FOR AGGRAVATED CHILD ABUSE

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah - On Tuesday, September 29, 2026, Washington County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 33-year-old Isaiah Tuiasosopo, an employee of Kiva Adventure Ranch.

Tuiasosopo was arrested and charged with Aggravated Child Abuse, a first-degree felony, following an investigation into an alleged incident that occurred at the youth treatment facility earlier this month.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office takes all allegations of child abuse seriously and is committed to thoroughly investigating reports involving the safety and welfare of children.

Since January 2020, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office has responded to approximately 500 incidents involving youth treatment centers within its jurisdiction. These facilities generate a significant volume of law enforcement calls, including reports involving assaults, sexual abuse, child abuse, runaways, disturbances, and other incidents affecting the safety and welfare of juveniles. The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to thoroughly investigating criminal allegations arising from these facilities and holding offenders accountable when supported by the evidence.

This investigation remains ongoing. Additional information may be released as it becomes available, and doing so will not compromise the investigation or subsequent court proceedings.

All criminal charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

09/16/2026

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah - The Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), in coordination with Utah State Parks and multiple emergency response agencies, is currently assisting in an active search and recovery operation at Sand Hollow State Park following a suspected drowning incident.

On September 15,2026, at approximately 4:21 P.M., the Consolidated Communications Center received an emergency call reporting a possible drowning at the Sand Hollow reservoir. Initial reports indicated that two individuals and a dog entered the water from a jet ski and subsequently went missing.

Utah State Parks Park Rangers immediately responded to the scene and requested the assistance of Washington County Search and Rescue deputies and volunteers. Despite an extensive search effort by all responding agencies, the victims were not located by the end of the evening.

Search and recovery operations were temporarily suspended at 10:00 P.M. on September 15 due to equipment limitations, darkness, and adverse weather conditions. The Utah State Dive Team was requested to deploy to the scene to provide specialized underwater recovery support.

Recovery operations officially resumed this morning, September 16, 2026, at 06:30 A.M. This remains an active and ongoing scene. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office requests that members of the public and media remain clear of the area at this time to allow
emergency personnel and dive teams to conduct their operations safely and effectively.

As Utah State Parks is the primary investigative agency for this incident, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office will refer all further media inquiries regarding the investigation to Utah State Parks public information officials.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office wishes to extend our deepest condolences to the families, loved ones, and anyone affected by this profound tragedy.

09/13/2026

HELP US LOCATE A MISSING PET

The Washington County Sheriff's Office is asking for the community's assistance in locating a lost cat. The pet was taken from its property in Pine Valley, Utah, over Labor Day weekend.

This matter was recently reported to our office. Deputies have been actively searching the area and investigating, but we have run out of leads at this time.

If you or someone you know recognizes this cat, or has any information that could help us reunite it with its family, please contact dispatch. Please reference incident when calling.

Thank you for your help.

09/03/2026

🐾 MEET THE K9s OF THE WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE! 🐾

Our four-legged deputies work hard every day to keep our community safe. Turn up the volume and get a glimpse of these amazing K9 teams! 👇

⚡ Hotch – A seasoned pro on the streets! Hotch is a dual-certified patrol K9, meaning he’s expertly trained in drug detection, tracking, and criminal apprehension.

🐕 Hank – The newest addition to our K9 family! He is currently working hard on his final dual-certification training. We anticipate him completing it very soon, and then he'll be officially hitting the road with his handler!

🧭 Scout – A true lifesaver in our Search and Rescue division. Scout is a tracking expert and holds a truly unique title—he is currently the only certified cadaver dog in the entire State of Utah!

Our deputies couldn't do their jobs without these incredible partners. Show our K9 unit some love in the comments below! 👇❤️

09/02/2026

A message from Washington County Sheriff Barry Golding. 🌟

Sheriff Golding was elected on May 6th and has called Washington County home since 1992. Before stepping into the role of Sheriff, he served with St. George PD and the Washington County Attorney's Office, and became Undersheriff in 2021 before being appointed Sheriff by the County Commission.

In this video, he talks about what sets the Sheriff's Office apart from city police departments. Washington County covers a lot of ground, which means deputies sometimes take longer to reach a call than an officer working in the city area. The Sheriff's Office also oversees several divisions beyond Patrol, including the jail, Search and Rescue, and Corrections, each with its own leadership.

Thank you, Sheriff Golding!

08/26/2026

The Washington County Sheriff's Office - Utah is pleased to be highlighted in Dirt Warrior Accessories reel on the new Enclosed Bed Extender for a SXS. With this new.equipment our Search and Rescue crews will be able to make a huge impact in their back country rescues!

08/20/2026

For everyone asking for the dashcam of the Grapple:

A multi-agency response safely brought a stolen-vehicle pursuit to ...

08/20/2026

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: August 20, 2026

Issuing Agency: Washington County Sheriff’s Office

Grappler Police Bumper Safely Ends Multi-Agency Pursuit of Stolen Vehicle in Washington County

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah — On the afternoon of August 19th, 2026, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with multiple local law enforcement agencies, safely apprehended a suspect operating a confirmed stolen vehicle following an inter- agency pursuit that was successfully brought to a conclusion using a Grappler Police Bumper.

At approximately 2:49 P.M., the Consolidated Communication Center broadcast an Attempt to Locate (ATL) for a vehicle entering Utah on Interstate 15 from Arizona. The vehicle had been formally reported stolen out of California.

Officers with the Washington City Police Department observed the vehicle traveling northbound on I-15 near mile marker 12 and initiated a traffic stop near exit 16. The driver failed to yield and began actively evading officers, exiting the freeway. Washington City Police discontinued their pursuit at that time.

Shorty thereafter, a Division of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Ranger spotted the suspect vehicle near 4400 W State Street and attempted a vehicle stop. The suspect again refused to stop, prompting the Ranger to initiate a pursuit. A Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy equipped with a specialized Grappler Police Bumper was traveling five vehicles behind the DNR Ranger and responded to assist.

The Deputy caught up near 3820 W State Street. Recognizing the immediate advantage of the Grappler System, the DNR Ranger relinquished primary pursuit position to the Deputy. The suspect vehicle continued to evade officers, turning south onto Sand Hollow Road.

As the pursuit continued toward Sand Hollow Resort Parkway, an officer with the Hurricane Police Department positioned ahead attempted to deploy spike strips. The suspect slowed and swerved to avoid the spikes. The reduction in speed created an optimal and safe opportunity for the pursuing Deputy to apply the Grappler Police Bumper onto the vehicle’s driver-side rear tire, bringing the pursuit to a rapid and controlled stop.

Following the stop, Deputies issued clear verbal commands instructing the driver to turn off the ignition and remove the keys. The driver refused to comply with lawful orders and attempted to flee again, backing up the vehicle to gain momentum in an effort to defeat the tethering system. The Grappler system worked as designed, holding the vehicle firmly in place and preventing further flight.

Due to the driver's continued non-compliance, Deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office alongside Officers from the Hurricane Police Department safely extracted the suspect from the vehicle. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office would like to express its sincere gratitude to all partnering agencies whose communication, quick response, and tactical cooperation led to the safe apprehension of this suspect and recovery of the stolen vehicle:

 Utah Division of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Division
 Hurricane City Police Department
 Adult Probation and Parole (AP&P)
 Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) STAR 9 Aviation
 Washington City Police Department
 Hurricane Fire and Rescue

Suspect Booking & Charges:
The suspect was booked into the Purgatory Correctional Facility on the following charges:

 Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
 Evading / Failure to Stop at Command of Law Enforcement
 Driving on a Suspended License
 Open Container in Vehicle

(Note: needed to edit post to correct the old letter head in the images)