St. Helens Police Department

10/15/2026

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the St. Helens Police Department joined forces to improve traffic safety by running two traffic safety campaigns during the months of August and September 2026. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and the Somebody Loves You – Buckle Up campaigns were successful in increasing public highway safety.

St. Helens officers wrote five traffic violation citations and made four DUII alcohol/drug arrests during the grant-funded overtime period for the campaigns. There were a total of 12 DUII drug/alcohol arrests, along with 89 citations and 139 warnings issued for traffic violations, during August and September.

“This year’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Somebody Loves You – Buckle Up campaigns were effective,” said St. Helens Sergeant Jose Castilleja. “Through our enforcement and education efforts, we helped keep community members safe and reminded all drivers of the importance of driving sober, slowing down, buckling up, and driving safely. Issuing tickets was not our goal, but it was a way to remind people of the importance of traffic safety.”

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10/06/2026

Former McBride PTO President Sentenced in Theft Investigation

ST. HELENS, OR – On Monday, October 5, 2026, Kalena Loomis, 43, of St. Helens, was sentenced in Columbia County Circuit Court to 20 days in jail related to an Aggravated Theft investigation that began in April 2026.

In April, St. Helens officers received a report that Loomis, then the McBride Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) President, had allegedly misappropriated thousands of dollars in funds that were donated to the organization. Detectives immediately began an investigation and discovered $34,158.94 in suspicious transactions. These transactions included charges to Apple, Venmo transfers to family members, and multiple cash withdrawals from ATMs.

The case was presented to a Columbia County Grand Jury which resulted in Loomis' indictment for Aggravated Theft I.

In addition to a sentence of 20 days of jail, Loomis will be placed on formal probation for 24 months and will not be allowed to act as a board member with access to bank accounts of an organization. She will not be allowed to have contact with the McBride PTO and is required to immediately pay $15,000 in restitution to the McBride PTO. Loomis will be required to make monthly payments of $1,000 per month in addition to the restitution. Loomis was also assessed $3,125 in interest that must be paid to the McBride PTO as part of her restitution agreement.

Investigators continue to seek information about Loomis. If you have information, please contact St. Helens Police Chief Smith by calling 503-397-1521.

This case was prosecuted by the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office.

09/16/2026

Two St. Helens City employees were recognized at the City Council’s September 16 work session for reaching employment milestones.

St. Helens Police Department Sgt. Evin Eustice has worked for the City of St. Helens for 10 years. Hired in 2016 as a patrol officer, he was promoted to sergeant in 2018.

St. Helens Public Works Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator II Tyler Hills has worked for the City of St. Helens for 5 years. He was hired in 2021.

09/04/2026

St. Helens students begin returning to school on Tuesday, September 8. Help keep the St. Helens community safe by observing the following safety reminders:

Slow down in school zones. Reduce your speed to 20 miles per hour in school zones.

Always stop for a school bus with flashing lights or an extended stop arm.

Stay alert. Watch for children walking and riding bicycles near schools who may not always use the crosswalk or bike lanes.

08/27/2026

CONTENT WARNING: The attached images contain pictures of animal abuse which some people may find offensive or disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised. The content is being shared in the hope that additional information may come from the public related to the investigation. Anyone with information should contact St. Helens Police Officer Sprinzl or Chief Smith by calling 503-397-1521.

On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, St. Helens Police Department officers served an arrest warrant at a residence in the 2500 block of Columbia Boulevard. Eva Gerich, 29, of St. Helens was arrested on an outstanding warrant. While officers were making the arrest, Gerich was armed with a knife and swung it at an officer. No injuries occurred.

Officers located five cats with suspicious injuries at the residence. The injuries included cuts on the cats’ ears that appeared to be made with scissors or an edged weapon and suspected burn injuries. Officers transported a total of nine cats to the Columbia County Animal Shelter for assessment and medical treatment.

Gerich was lodged at the Columbia County Jail for Burglary in the First Degree, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing, Animal Neglect, Animal Abuse in the First Degree, and Aggravated Animal Abuse in the First Degree.

The St. Helens Police Department is seeking any information regarding Gerich's neglect and abuse of animals. If you have information, please contact St. Helens Police Officer Sprinzl or Chief Smith by calling 503-397-1521.

08/19/2026

A DUI hits your wallet fast, and your reputation even faster. Choose a sober ride instead. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Starting Wednesday, August 19, 2026, and concluding September 7, the St. Helens Police Department will participate in a national Labor Day DUII enforcement campaign. This collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is meant to educate the public about the importance of sober driving. “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is a high-visibility drunk-driving prevention and enforcement campaign that urges drivers to understand the importance of sober driving. It is supported by increased law enforcement presence. Drivers will see more law enforcement on the road during the campaign period.

“Our goal is to save lives,” said St. Helens Sergeant Jose Castilleja. “St. Helens officers will be expanding their efforts with zero tolerance for impaired driving; whether it is from alcoholic beverages, ma*****na, or illegal or prescription drugs.”

The average impaired driving charge costs $10,000 in attorney fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, and more. Plan ahead before you begin celebrating. Have a designated driver established beforehand. Waiting until you begin drinking may create poor decisions. Call for a rideshare, a friend, or family member if you find yourself needing to get home safe. Remember, even one drink could be one too many.

“We encourage our community to call St. Helens police if they suspect a person is driving under the influence,” said Sgt. Castilleja. “If you have a friend or family member who is about to drink and drive, take their keys and have a sober person take them home. Let’s have a safe Labor Day weekend.”

08/11/2026

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the St. Helens Police Department held a Speeding Catches Up With You campaign July 6 through July 31, 2026. The campaign was successful in raising awareness of the dangers of speeding through increased enforcement, a zero-tolerance policy for speeding, and effective communication with road users on the importance of slowing down and being safe on the road.

Law enforcement officers wrote six citations for speeding violations during the grant enforcement period. Additionally, drivers were stopped for a variety of traffic safety related violations.

“This year’s Speeding Catches Up With You campaign was successful,” said St. Helens Sergeant Jose Castilleja. “Through our enforcement and education efforts, we helped keep community members safe and reminded all drivers of the importance of slowing down and driving safely. Issuing tickets was not our goal, but it was a way to remind people of the importance of such a simple action.”

The St. Helens Police Department wrote a total of 45 traffic violation citations and issued 180 warnings in July 2026.

07/22/2026

You're Invited!
Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: 1771 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR 97051

Join us as we celebrate the groundbreaking of the new St. Helens Police Station and honor the legacy of City Administrator John Walsh, whose dedication to public safety and the St. Helens community continues to inspire.

The ceremony will feature remarks from:
• Mayor Jennifer Massey
• Police Chief Matthew Smith
• Public Works Director Mouhamad Zaher

This milestone marks the beginning of a modern public safety facility designed to serve the St. Helens community for generations to come. Community members are welcome to attend as we celebrate this exciting new chapter for St. Helens.

07/21/2026

TRAFFIC ALERT

The City of St. Helens annual pavement striping project will take place on July 27 and 28, 2026. The City is partnering with Columbia County Public Works to perform this annual maintenance project. They will re-stripe existing centerlines, fog lines, and bike lanes. Watch for slow moving vehicles and avoid crossing over freshly painted lines marked by cones to allow the paint time to dry.

The full list of streets scheduled for striping work is included below, as well as a link to view the project area map.

This project will paint approximately:
95,700 linear feet of 4-inch yellow pavement striping
59,100 linear feet of 8-inch white pavement striping
63,000 linear feet of 4-inch white pavement striping

Funding for this project comes from budgeted street funds and is reimbursable by STBG (Surface Transportation Block Grant) funds.

2026 Annual Pavement Striping Streets:
Sykes Road
Summit View Drive
Columbia Boulevard
Matzen Street
Bowling Alley Lane
North Vernonia Road
South Vernonia Road
Sunset Boulevard
Kelly Street
Howard Street
McNulty Way
Industrial Way
Old Portland Road
Kaster Road
Gable Road
Port Avenue
Milton Way
Plymouth Street
South 14th Street
McCormick Park
South 18th Street
South 15th Street
Cowlitz Street
St. Helens Street
South 12th Street
North 21st Street
North 20th Street
North 19th Street
North 18th Street
North 17th Street
North 16th Street
North 15th Street
North 12th Street
Wyeth Street
Oregon Street
Deer Island Road
West Street
North 11th Street
North 6th Street
North 5th Street
South 8th Street
South 7th Street
South 4th Street
South 3rd Street
South 1st Street
River Street

https://www.sthelensoregon.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/31

07/15/2026

Congratulations, Officer Marshall and Heidi!

At the July 15 St. Helens City Council meeting, the Council recognized Building Permit Technician Heidi Davis for 20 years of service and Patrol Officer Luke Marshall for five years of service.

Congratulations, Heidi and Luke!