Suspect fleeing rape charges captured in Oregon

By Griffin Beach on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories

HERMISTON – Oregon State Police arrested a Richland, Washington man wanted for charges including second-degree rape following a pursuit that crossed from Washington into Oregon early Friday morning.

A report from OSP says they received an agency assist call from Washington State Patrol shortly before 3 a.m. as WSP was pursuing a suspect, identified as 57-year-old Timothy Hounshell, on southbound Interstate 82 towards Oregon.

WSP said they had probable cause to believe Hounshell committed second-degree rape, false imprisonment, and kidnapping. Second-degree rape in Washington is classified as a Class A felony that generally applies to sexual intercourse without consent and is punishable by up to life in prison.

Umatilla County Sheriff’s and OSP took over the chase when it crossed into Oregon and were able to halt the pursuit. Hounshell then complied with commands and was arrested.

As of Monday afternoon Hounshell was still listed in the Umatilla County jail roster with charges of reckless endangering, reckless driving, and attempting to elude as well as being a fugitive. His bail is listed at $150,000.