Arrest made in grain terminal vandalism case

One arrest has been made in the early morning breach of EGT’s grain terminal at the Port of Longview, according to a bulletin from the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office.

Ronald Patrick Stavas, 45, of Kelso was arrested Monday night after he was reportedly identified one of the suspects who entered the facility, assaulted a guard, and vandalized rail cars on Sept. 8, the bulletin said.

Stavas was taken into custody without incident by Longview Police members of a Sheriff’s Office joint investigative team, which includes Sheriff’s deputies, Kelso, and Longview Police.

Stavas was booked into the Cowlitz County Jail on suspicion of four felony charges: burglary in the first degree, assault in the second degree, intimidating a witness and sabotage. At his initial appearance in Cowlitz County Superior Court Tuesday morning, his bail was set at $50,000.00. He remains in custody at this time.

Stavas was identified by a witness after seeing a KGW-TV video at the union hall where Stavas confronted the news crew.

Also arrested on Monday was Shelly Ann Porter, 39, of Longview. She was arrested on suspicion of criminal trespass in the second degree as a result of the blocking of the train on Sept. 7. She was booked and released on this misdemeanor charge and will be making an appearance in Cowlitz County District Court.

Sheriff Mark Nelson said that the investigation into the incidents on Wednesday and Thursday is continuing. He expects more arrests to be made within the next couple of days.