City of Milton-Freewater Police Department

05/24/2026

Press Release:

On May 23, 2026, at approximately 3:20 p.m., Milton-Freewater Officer attempted a traffic stop on a 2007 white Chevrolet pickup truck for reckless driving.

The vehicle was observed traveling 48–50 mph in the 100 block of S. Main Street, where a group of juveniles were riding bicycles. The driver failed to stop after emergency lights were activated on the marked patrol vehicle.

A vehicle pursuit was initiated for Reckless Driving, Felony Eluding, and speed-limit violations. The pursuit continued for a while until it made it to Highway 11.

Milton-Freewater Officers executed a successful Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver on Highway 11, bringing the vehicle to a stop. As with most high-risk traffic stops, the officers ordered the suspect, later identified as 51-year-old Shannon Renee Kwong of Milton-Freewater, out of her vehicle. Shannon initially complied with orders, but per the video circulating on Facebook, she was uncooperative with officers when they were attempting to take her into custody.
Shannon faces charges including reckless driving, felony elude, and speeding.

The Milton-Freewater Department has had recent contacts with Shannon where there are serious officer safety concerns.

Shannon was later transported to the Umatilla County Jail.

This driver’s decision to flee through a residential area with children present put many lives at risk and I am grateful the pursuit ended safely thanks to the quick thinking and training of the Milton-Freewater Police Department.

Chief Joe Shurtz

05/21/2026

Press Release:

On May 18, 2026, 24-year-old Santiago Robledo Lara was taken into custody following a lengthy investigation involving allegations of unlawful sexual physical contact with minors.

The investigation was led by the Milton-Freewater Police Department’s Detective Division and involved extensive follow-up to ensure thoroughness of the case. Detectives conducted numerous interviews with victims, and family members believed to possess relevant information.

Information was provided to the Umatilla County District Attorney’s Office. After the grand jury reviewed the information, there was a true bill for the following charges: So**my in the First Degree-4 counts, Attempted So**my in the First Degree-1 count and Sexual abuse in the First Degree-2 counts.

The Milton-Freewater Police Department recognizes the courage of the victims and the cooperation of witnesses. We also appreciate our community partners who helped us; The Umatilla County District Attorney’s Office and the Walla Walla Regional Drug and Gang Task Force for locating and arresting Santiago on the felony warrant.

Santiago is currently lodged in the Walla Walla County Jail.

Chief Joe Shurtz

05/09/2026

04/12/2026

04/09/2026

Press Release:

On April 6th, 2026, at around 10:28AM, Milton-Freewater dispatch received a report of someone applying graffiti near NE 8th and North Columbia.

Officer responded to the area, and based on the description given, and video taken by the reporting party, the officer located the suspect in the 900 block of North Elizabeth.

The suspect, identified as Austin Henry Svehaug 19-year-old male of Milton-Freewater, appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and was subsequently arrested for Criminal Mischief 2.

He was later transported to the Umatilla County Jail on the above charge.

Chief Joe Shurtz

03/04/2026

02/20/2026

Press Release:

On Thursday February 19th, at approximately 3:01 P.M. Milton-Freewater Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a blue Acura TL for expired registration in the parking lot of Mi Pueblito, located at 105 N. Columbia St. The driver, later identified as Thomas D. Payant, 32-year-old male of Milton-Freewater, failed to yield after officers activated their emergency lights and sirens to signal the vehicle to pull over.

Mr. Payant continued driving northbound through the parking lot at a high rate of speed and in a reckless manner, nearly causing a collision. At that time, the officers discontinued pursuing the Acura. Mr. Payant then proceeded onto N. Elizabeth Street, where he continued to drive recklessly and at a high rate of speed.

When the Acura reached the 1200 block of N. Elizabeth St. a Umatilla County Sheriff’s Deputy observed the Acura traveling at a high rate of speed and in a reckless manner and attempted to initiate a traffic stop.

The Acura failed to yield to the Deputy. The Deputy, along with Milton-Freewater Officers, pursued Mr. Payant for a short distance before Mr. Payant crashed the vehicle on Highway 339 and fled on foot.

Officers initiated a foot pursuit and shortly after, Mr. Payant was taken into custody without incident.

Mr. Payant was lodged at Umatilla County Jail on an outstanding parole violation and on the following new charges: Fleeing or attempting to elude police officer (On foot and in a vehicle), Reckless driving, recklessly endangering another person and Escape III.

This is another example of multiple law enforcement agencies
working together to apprehend individuals who attempt to evade police.

Chief Joe Shurtz

02/18/2026

🚨 Public Safety Advisory from the Milton-Freewater Police Department 🚨

Community members,

We've seen a sharp increase in e-bike usage on our city streets, sidewalks, and crosswalks—and with it, a rise in close calls, and near-misses.

E-bikes can be a convenient way to get around, but many are being operated at excessive speeds (often 20–30+ mph), on sidewalks where they're prohibited, through red lights, wrong-way, or without proper helmets and lights. These aren't traditional bicycles—they're motorized vehicles that demand the same responsibility as any other on our roads.

Key reminders for ALL riders:
• Class 3 e-bikes (up to 28 mph) are not allowed for riders under 16.
• Sidewalks are for pedestrians. Riding e-bikes there endangers vulnerable people and is illegal.
• Obey all traffic signals, signs, and speed limits—no exceptions.
• Wear a helmet, use lights at night and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Modified or high-powered e-bikes (over legal wattage/speed limits) may be classified as motorcycles—requiring registration, license, and insurance.

We’ve recently experienced an uptick in Criminal Mischief (Vandalism) that is associated with E-bikes.

The Milton-Freewater Police Department will be paying closer attention to E-bike usage and enforcing applicable laws as needed.
As a caveat, because CERTAIN e-bikes don’t qualify as an “Electric Assisted Bicycle” because they’re missing pedals and rely on the power of the electric motor(s), they fall into the category of a motorcycle. Under Oregon Law, motorcycles are required to be insured, have a licensed rider (motorcycle endorsement) and operate on roadways.

Chief Joe Shurtz

02/04/2026

The Milton-Freewater Police Department is excited to be participating in Chief For A Day again. Please use the QR code below to make nominations.

Chief Joe Shurtz

We are excited to bring Chief for a Day to the Walla Walla Valley again!
Chief for a Day, hosted by Walla Walla Area Crime Watch, is a special experience dedicated to celebrating children in grades 4-8 who live with a permanent disability or chronic medical condition. Selected children will be paired with an Emergency Services Agency from the Walla Walla Valley. The mission of Chief for a Day is to give these children and their families a chance to set aside daily challenges and enjoy an unforgettable day of recognition, fun, and community support.
Use the QR code in the flyer or this link to submit your nomination(s) https://form.jotform.com/260285310823148

01/22/2026