Suspect Arrested Along Highway 97 After Extensive Klickitat County Manhunt
From Klickitat County Sheriff's Office:
Goldendale, Wash., June 12, 2026 — Following an extensive investigation and manhunt north of Goldendale, Washington, the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) apprehended Zackariah Bennett on June 10, 2026. Bennett, a resident of Goldendale, was arrested for first-degree Unlawful Possession of Firearms and second-degree Rape of a Child.
On June 9, 2026, the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on a residence on Old Mountain Road. The suspect fled the area but was not located. KCSO continued the investigation and attempted to locate the suspect late into the night.
On June 10, 2026 the search operation commenced on Satus Loop Road after receiving information that the suspect was in that area. The search involved the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Deputies, the Air Wing, and the Klickitat County UAS (Drone) team. Seeking additional support, KCSO engaged the U.S. Marshals Office, which deployed a 25-person team, including specialized K9 and UAS units, to assist in the manhunt.
As the comprehensive search of the region neared its conclusion, Sgt. Randy Wells identified the suspect walking along Highway 97 while on patrol. All active law enforcement units converged on the location, and Bennett was taken into custody without incident.
Before being booked into jail, Bennett was taken to Klickitat Valley Hospital for a medical evaluation. Bennett was seen in Superior Court in the afternoon of June 11, 2026. Bail has been set at $250,000.
The Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office expresses its gratitude to the following agencies for their
vital assistance during this operation:
Klickitat County Prosecutor’s Office, UAS Team, Air Wing, Posse, and 911 Dispatch
U.S. Marshals
Yakima County Sheriff’s Office and Yakima Police Department
Benton County Sheriff’s Office
Washington State Patrol
Washington State Parks and the Department of Fish and Wildlife
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