WDFW investigates driver who ran down two dozen gulls

Published 4:47 pm Monday, July 29, 2024

OCEAN PARK — Police from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is currently investigating a report of someone intentionally running over gulls, killing 25, while driving a silver four-door Jeep Cherokee about 1.7 miles south of the Klipsan Beach approach.

The incident occurred on Saturday, July 27, at around 8 p.m. The same Jeep nearly struck two subjects walking their dogs on the beach. Multiple witnesses came forward including three who stopped the vehicle, photographing it and the driver. Efforts to save the few birds remaining alive failed.

WDFW police have identified the driver thanks to these community members and officers are currently attempting to contact the man, who is believed to be living out of state.

If you have any information regarding the person of interest or vehicle pictured above, contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police at 877-933-9847, online, or text WDFWTIP at TIP411 (847411).

Under WAC 220-200-100, wildlife classified as protected shall not be hunted or fished.

According to Capt. Dan Chadwick, officers traced the suspect’s vehicle to a rental company near Portland International Airport. The man is believed to have been in Pacific County for a reunion over the weekend.

Officers have reached out to the suspect via phone and are giving him a chance to call back and talk about what occurred. He allegedly drove up and down the beach multiple times in a reckless manner before swerving directly into the flock of gulls.