Deputies respond to reports of suspicious activity in Touchet; no violations found
By Griffin Beach on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
TOUCHET – The Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office investigated multiple reports of two suspicious individuals in the Touchet area Sunday.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies responded to a report of a possible prowler near Hanson Road at approximately 1 a.m. Deputies contacted two individuals at the scene and confirmed both had permission from the property owner to stay at the residence.
At approximately 9 p.m. that evening, deputies contacted the same two individuals while responding to a report of a suspicious person on Touchet North Road. The incident was reviewed as a potential Department of Corrections violation, but officials determined that a valid DOC trip permit had been issued.
One of the individuals was identified as a registered sex offender from Lewis County. Although the individual was registered under a previous name, deputies determined no violation had occurred.
Both individuals told deputies they would leave the area within 24 hours, in accordance with the DOC permit.
WWCSO said they notified the Touchet School District and that school staff are aware of the situation. They also said they’re working in coordination with DOC offices in Walla Walla and Lewis Counties.
Anyone with information regarding the individuals and possible criminal activity in Touchet is asked to contact Sgt. Maas at kmaas@wwcowa.gov and reference case No. 2026-927.
