Cowlitz County deputy dies in roadside shooting

WSU alum dispatched to look into disabled vehicle, shot after he arrived

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OLIVER MCKENNA | THE DAILY EVERGREEN

The Evergreen works to provide the best information about recent crime and court updates in the Pullman area.

GEORGE ERALIL, Evergreen reporter

A Cowlitz County deputy died after he was shot Saturday night.

Deputy Justin DeRosier was dispatched to investigate a disabled vehicle on Fallert Road because it was blocking a roadway, according to a press release from the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office. He was shot shortly after he arrived.

Responding officers attempted to save DeRosier at the scene, according to the press release. He was transported by LifeFlight to PeaceHealth Medical Center in Vancouver and died shortly after he arrived.

Cowlitz County deputies have identified persons of interest and are inspecting leads in the investigation, according to the press release. The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office also sought assistance from the Clark County Major Crimes Unit.

Investigators advise staying away from Fallert Road unless there is no way around it, according to the press release.

Individuals can provide information regarding the shooting by calling the Cowlitz County Dispatch Center at (360) 577-3098.

DeRosier, who is also a WSU alum, grew up in Kelso, Washington, and attended Kelso High School, according to the press release. He started working at the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office on May 1, 2016.

DeRosier loved engaging in outdoor activities like hunting, fishing and hiking, according to the press release. DeRosier is survived by his wife and five-month-old daughter.