Dallesport Man Arrested for Attempted Murder of KSCO Deputy Tim Neher
Content warning: Descriptions of violence.
Klickitat County Undersheriff Tim Neher. Photo: From Elect Tim Neher for Klickitat County Sheriff Facebook page.
By Cole Goodwin
Goldendale, WA, May 6, 2024 – On the morning of Sunday May 5, Klickitat County Sheriff’s Deputy and Undersheriff, Tim Neher was seriously injured after being struck on the head with a hammer by a male subject, identified as Christian Ray Smith, age 31, after responding to reports of a male subject having a psychotic episode at Red Barn RV Park in Dallesport.
According to the press release issued by Sheriff Bob Songer, the incident took place around 7:00 A.M. on May 5, 2024, after deputies were called to respond to a report of a male having a psychotic episode at 2297 Dallesport Road, Space #24. The call was made by the suspect’s mother.
Deputy Neher and his colleague, Deputy Erik Beasley, were dispatched to the scene, with Neher arriving moments before Beasley.
Deputies Neher and Besaley later reported that:
“Deputy Neher was talking to the mother, (the reporting party) outside of her trailer, when Christian Smith, who lives with his mother, came running out from behind the trailer and hit Deputy Neher on the head with a hammer.”
Deputies Neher and Beasley then attempted to take Smith into custody, wrestling Smith to the ground.
“Despite his injuries Deputy Neher continued to fight,” said Karen Elings, Chief Civil Deputy, noting that the officer was likely running on high adrenaline at that moment.
Shortly after Sergeant Fred Kilian, who had coordinated the response following the 911 dispatch, arrived at the scene to find the deputies struggling to subdue the assailant on the ground. Sergeant Killian assisted deputies Neher and Beasly in getting Smith handcuffed and into custody.
Smith has been arrested for First Degree Attempted Murder of Klickitat County Deputy Sheriff Tim Neher. Smith is currently being held at Klickitat County Jail.
The name of the hospital where Deputy Neher is being treated has not been released. Further details on his condition will be released by law enforcement at such a time when it is appropriate to do so.
Support Local News
Available to everyone; supported by readers like you.
