Nearly 20 held after raids at Vancouver apartment complex, house

A three-month investigation into alleged criminal activity at an apartment complex and neighboring house in Vancouver’s Maplewood neighborhood has led to the arrest of nearly 20 people, according to the Vancouver Police Department.

Arrests were made Thursday and Friday as a result of an investigation into alleged drug trafficking, drug use, prostitution and trafficking of stolen property at 2009 Norris Road, an eight-unit apartment complex, and an adjoining single family residence at 2015 Norris Road, a VPD bulletin said.

“Over the past year, over 150 drug-related and stolen property calls were generated either through 911 or the proactive work of Vancouver Police patrol officers,” the bulletin said. “Neighbors also reported concerns related to these locations and the unsafe living environment associated with these addresses.”

The Southwest Washington Safe Streets Task Force, a multi-jurisdictional gang enforcement team made up of personnel from the Vancouver Police Department, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, FBI and Department of Corrections, conducted the investigation with the WEST Neighborhood Response Team and the Clark/Vancouver Drug Task force.

The VPD bulletin said the investigation “revealed a constant stream of drug sales and usage, a significant presence of gangs, and suspicion of prostitution.”

“Six of the eight apartments, and the adjoining house, were causing a significant negative community impact due to the illegal activity fueled by drug use and drug sales,” the bulletin said.

Search warrants for five of the eight apartments and the adjoining house and were served on Thursday and Friday.

While serving the warrants, more than 25 individuals were contacted. After completion of the warrants over the two-day period, approximately 19 people were arrested, the VPD bulletin said.

Travis J. Reynolds, 35, was arrested on a traffic stop after the warrant was served and was booked into the Clark County Jail on suspicion of Robbery I.

John S. Raynor, 52, the on-site manager at the adjoining residence, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and was booked into the Clark County Jail.

Three people were arrested for Department of Corrections violations, and 12 other individuals were arrested on various warrants, the VPD bulletin said.

“This investigation is continuing and additional charges and the arrest of additional involved individuals is anticipated,” the bulletin said. “This investigation and the subsequent arrests will likely result in a significantly improved quality of life and better livability for the neighbors and the Maplewood neighborhood.”