Police in Oregon reported today that they had made an arrest in connection with the vandalism that killed 18,000 salmon at a fish hatchery this week.
Nearly 18,000 baby salmon perished on Monday in the Douglas County fish hatchery tank after a vandal dumped bleach into it, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).
ODFW stated that, “What may have started as vandalism evolved into poaching with the illegal killing of fish in one of four tanks at the Gardiner, Reedsport, and Winchester Bay (GRWB) Salmon Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) hatchery in Reedsport.”
Joshua Heckathorn, 20, of Gardiner, was taken into custody by Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) deputies and charged with burglary, criminal trespass, and criminal mischief. He is currently being held at the Douglas County Jail.
Heckathorn was arrested on Tuesday; according to the jail’s records, he was released on bond and has a court hearing scheduled for May 16, 2024.
According to DCSO, a deputy on patrol in the region on Tuesday evening, April 23, 2024, noticed a man strolling south along Highway 101 close to milepost 210. Shortly after, the officer entered the hatchery and observed the same individual behind a locked gate without any trespassing signs.
Heckathorn, according to DCSO, was the man who “admitted to trespassing on the property and entering a storage location and handling the chemical bottle on Monday.”
According to Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin, “Good policework and teamwork led to the case’s resolution. I am pleased with the deputies’ work and am confident that the investigation will help hold those who are at fault for their deeds.”
The Reedsport Police Department provided support to the Sheriff’s Office.
According to ODFW, the Oregon State Police’s (OSP) Fish and Wildlife Division and DCSO will work together to combat poaching and vandalism.
According to OSP Fish and Wildlife Sergeant Levi Harris, “The OSP F and W Division has had great cooperation from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.”
We greatly like their expertise and excitement. Here in Western Douglas County, their coastal deputies have frequently assisted us in solving crimes and/or apprehending those who have violated wildlife laws.”
According to ODFW, illegally obtaining Chinook salmon for 17,890 fish will be included in poaching charges. Heckathorn is accused of criminal mischief for causing damage to another person’s property exceeding $1,000 and of providing a toxic substance to wildlife.
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Sergeant Harris claims that the incident represents a significant loss for the STEP program. According to ODFW, the maximum civil penalty in Oregon for the illegal take of a single Chinook salmon is $750.
Courts have the authority to multiply that amount by the number of fish taken. If this case results in a judgment, the amount could potentially exceed $13,000,000.
“The killing of these fish is a real blow to the STEP Program Volunteers, ODFW, fishermen, and the community as a whole,” Sergeant Harris stated, noting, “In my 25 years as a game warden, this is one of the most senseless acts I have seen.”
According to the report, the estimated 18,000 fish that went missing were meant for the fall Chinook fishing on the lower Umpqua River. They would have joined the about 60,000 other fall Chinook pre-smolts that will be fin clipped and released in June.
Approximately 60,000 fall Chinook of the same cohort are expected to be released as smolts in Winchester Bay in early October from Elk River Hatchery.
“The volunteers have spent hundreds of hours raising those fish,” Yates stated, “It’s an incredible time investment, and they mean a lot to people.”
The public is taught how to identify and report poaching through the Protect Oregon’s Wildlife – Turn in Poachers campaign. The campaign contributes to the preservation and improvement of Oregon’s wildlife, fish, and habitat.
For further information, send an email to [email protected], the campaign coordinator.
Suspected crimes against fish, wildlife, or habitat can be reported to the Turn In Poachers (TIP) Line at 1-800-452-7888, or from a mobile device, use *OSP (*677). Or send an email to [email protected].
