Sergeant had a feeling something wasn’t right

By Terry Murry on Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WESTON – Umatilla County Sheriff’s Sgt. Roy Swiger was nearing the end of his shift early Sunday and was tired. UCSO Lt. Sterrin Ward said Swiger had noticed a vehicle driving around the area he was patrolling, and something just didn’t look right.

He decided to check it out and found the white GMC Sonoma parked on the 300 block of Water Street. The license plates indicated that the vehicle had been stolen Friday from Widner Electric in Milton-Freewater. The vehicle was empty. Swiger called for backup.

“Tribal PD very graciously responded as cover units,” Ward said. “They searched the area and located a male that was hiding on the roof at 304 South Water.”

She added that 22-year-old Richard Anthony Smith of Weston tried to lie to officers.

“He originally provided false information regarding his name and complained of some chest pains and medical issues,” Ward said. “They did have medics come and check him out, and that’s when they discovered his true identity.”

Smith is now in Umatilla County jail facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges in both Oregon and Washington. He cannot bail out due to the fugitive warrants issued by Walla Walla County. The Walla Walla Police Department said that after Smith faces the Oregon charges he will be returned to Walla Walla County. He was on bereavement leave from Washington when he cut off his ankle monitor and fled.