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| Update: Tips Help OSP Arrest Hermiston-Area Poaching Suspect | ||
| 12/21/2007 | ||
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Senior Trooper Tim Gallaher Fish & Wildlife Division - Pendleton Office: (541) 278-4090 Photograph links valid for 30 days - Source: Oregon State Police http://www.flashnews.net/images/news/110707.poaching.hermiston.1.jpg http://www.flashnews.net/images/news/110707.poaching.hermiston.2.JPG With the public's help, an Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish and Wildlife Division investigation has led to identifying two suspects involved with the illegal killing of five mule deer near Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge in November. One suspect has been charged, and charges against a second suspect are pending. On December 21, 2007, OSP troopers with the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division completed an investigation into what was described by lead investigator, Senior Trooper Tim Gallaher, as ‘a random killing and senseless waste of several animals that is an example of the most serious type of wildlife crimes that we investigate'. Four bucks, one doe and a porcupine were killed. A Hermiston area resident was identified as participating in numerous wildlife crimes involving the killing and waste of the deer as well as damage to private agricultural lands. CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL ALLRED, age 23, is being charged with: • Taking Deer Closed Season (5 counts) • Waste of Game Mammal (5 counts) • Hunting with the aid of an Artificial Light (5 counts) • Criminal Mischief in the First Degree • Criminal Trespass • Offensive Littering The arrest came as a result of analyzing forensic evidence found at the scene and numerous calls from concerned citizens with valuable information. A second suspect has been identified and additional charges are pending in the case. On November 7, 2007 OSP Fish and Wildlife troopers responded to a poaching complaint at the Royal Columbia Farms near Hermiston after farm employees discovered signs of illegal hunting when they arrived at work. Investigating troopers found four (4) mule deer that had been killed and left to waste. A nearby resident reported hearing shots at about 1:00 a.m. The four deer included 2 mature four-point bucks, one forked horn buck, and a yearling doe, were found adjacent to Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge. In addition to the illegal hunting activity, the suspect(s) also drove off road on the farm's private property damaging several agricultural fields. ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
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