Skamania County News: Operation Guardian, Drive-by Shooting, Fire Mobilization

Every factual claim below was checked against the original public record. Source: original document ↗

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  Washington State Patrol reported three separate incidents on July 1, 2026“null”
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  None of the incidents directly affected Skamania County“null”
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  Operation Guardian led to 21 arrests in Snohomish County for alleged child exploitation“Twenty-one individuals were taken into custody in Snohomish County this week as part of a multi-agency operation identifying those allegedly involved in the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.”
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  The multi-agency operation involved WSP, Edmonds Police, and federal partners“The multi-day operation involved the Washington State Patrol (WSP), Edmonds Police Department, local Snohomish County law enforcement agencies, and several state and federal partner agencies.”
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  WSP Chief John Batiste stated, "Protecting children from exploitation is one of the most important responsibilities we have as law enforcement officers"“"Protecting children from exploitation is one of the most important responsibilities we have as law enforcement officers, and we will continue to pursue these offenders relentlessly."”
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  A drive-by shooting occurred on SR 509 near Cloverdale in King County on June 29, 2026“At approximately 6:00 PM on June 29, 2026, Washington State Patrol (WSP) communications received a 9-1-1 call from an individual reporting that they had been shot at SB SR 509 near Cloverdale.”
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  The victim was unharmed but had their vehicle struck by gunfire“The victim advised that they were not injured and had gotten off the freeway to wait for a trooper to contact. Once troopers contacted the victim, they were able to confirm that their vehicle was struck by gunfire.”
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  The suspect vehicle, a red Jeep with two female occupants, fled south on SR 509“The suspect vehicle had a female driver and a female front passenger and continued south on SR 509.”
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  State fire resources were mobilized for the Lambdin Fire in Walla Walla County“State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Lambdin Fire located in Walla Walla County, near Wallula Junction.”
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  The Lambdin Fire started June 29, 2026“The Lambdin Fire started on June 29, 2026, at approximately 10:20 a.m.”
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  The Lambdin Fire threatened homes and power infrastructure“It is burning in grass, sage, agricultural crops, and Mid-Columbia Wildlife Refuge grounds and is threatening homes, power infrastructure, and standing wheat.”
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  The Lambdin Fire is 1,500 acres and growing“This fire is estimated at 1,500 acres and growing.”
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  Level 3 evacuations are in effect for the Lambdin Fire“Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”