St. Helens Police Department

05/12/2026

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and St. Helens Police Department are urging drivers to buckle up ahead of the “Click It or Ticket” seat belt safety campaign. The national high-visibility seat belt enforcement effort, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs May 18-31, 2026.

“Seat belt use should be an automatic habit every time you get into a vehicle,” said St. Helens Police Sgt. José Castilleja. “During the Click It or Ticket campaign, we’ll be working with our fellow law enforcement officers across local and state lines to ensure the message gets out to drivers and passengers. Not buckling up could mean a ticket, or worse, risking a life.”

In 2023, there were 10,484 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes. The national seat belt use rate in 2024 was 91.2%.

In St. Helens, a study in March 2026 showed an 85% seat belt usage rate. Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement during the campaign.

One of the focuses of the Click It or Ticket seat belt campaign is nighttime enforcement. NHTSA data shows a higher number of unrestrained occupant fatalities happen at night (56% between the hours of 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m.). Of the males killed in crashes in 2023, more than half (53%) were unrestrained. For females killed in crashes, 41% were not buckled up.

Buckle Up the Right Way

• Place the shoulder belt across the middle of the chest and away from the neck.

• Lay the lap belt across the hips and not the stomach.

• NEVER place the seat belt behind the back or under arms.

“We are asking friends and family to remind each other to buckle up in the front and back seats and to consider changing their habits if they don’t,” said Sgt. Castilleja. “Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — needs to remember to buckle up.”

For more information on the Click It or Ticket seat belt high-visibility enforcement campaign, please visit NHTSA.gov/ClickIt.

04/17/2026

Mystery Readers Visit McBride Elementary!

Our students had some very special guests this week! We were thrilled to welcome Officer Stratton and Officer Raethke from the St. Helens Police Department for a surprise reading session.

The officers shared the classic Officer Buckle and Gloria, teaching our young learners about safety through a fun and interactive story. Our students were all ears and loved getting to know the officers!

A huge thank you to St. Helens Police Department officers Stratton and Raethke for creating such a positive, memorable experience for our students.
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04/03/2026

We are seeking additional information related to a St. Helens man recently indicted on multiple charges, including attempted murder. Please read the following information and call non-emergency dispatch at 503-397-1521 and ask to speak with St. Helens Police Department Detective Edwards or Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Thompson if you have information related to this incident.

On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, a Columbia County grand jury indicted Harrison Wade Mugrage, 21, of St. Helens, Oregon, on charges of Attempted Murder, Assault in the First Degree, two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing (Domestic Abuse), and Assault IV.

Mugrage was arrested on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, by St. Helens officers who responded to the report of a disturbance with a weapon at Broadleaf Arbor, 2250 Gable Road in St. Helens. St. Helens officers were assisted by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police.

Officers located a victim at the scene who had sustained multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported to an area hospital.

During their investigation, officers identified Mugrage as the suspect in the incident, and Mugrage was taken into custody. A search warrant was also executed. Detectives then presented the case to a grand jury.

Mugrage remains lodged at the Columbia County Jail.

Investigators continue to seek information about Mugrage and the March 24, 2026, incident. If you have information, please contact St. Helens Police Department Detective Edwards or Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Thompson at 503-397-1521.

03/31/2026

Thank you for hosting us as mystery readers at Lewis and Clark Elementary School!

Mystery Readers Visit Lewis and Clark Elementary!

Students in Pre-K through 1st/2nd grade at Lewis and Clark Elementary recently enjoyed a special visit from two officers with the St. Helens Police Department, Officer Hartless and Officer Sprinzl.

During their visit, they read the book Officer Buckle and Gloria, sharing an interactive story while connecting with students and reinforcing important safety messages. Students were highly engaged throughout the visit, asking thoughtful questions and showing great excitement as they interacted with their guest readers.

We appreciate Officer Hartless and Officer Sprinzl for taking the time to visit our classrooms and support our young learners through this meaningful experience!
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