On Thursday morning, Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputies took 77‑year‑old Timothy Coe into custody in Vancouver on a charge of fourth‑degree assault. The arrest follows a violent incident that occurred on Tuesday at the Walmart located at 9000 NE Highway 99 in Hazel Dell.
Incident details
At approximately 10:13 a.m. on Tuesday, deputies responded to a call from a female shopper who said a man had punched her in the face and pushed her to the ground. The victim was loading her infant into her vehicle when another car attempted to park in the adjacent space. Concerned the moving vehicle might strike her open door, she tapped the driver’s side window to alert the motorist.
The driver, later identified as Timothy Coe, exited his vehicle and an argument ensued. According to the victim, Coe struck her on the right side of her face with his left fist and then grabbed her arms. Deputies later observed redness on the victim’s cheek, swelling around her eyelid, and bruising on both arms. A witness intervened and helped separate the parties.
Investigation and evidence
After the assault, the victim provided deputies with video footage and photographs that captured the suspect and the license plate of his vehicle. The visual evidence helped confirm Coe’s identity and location.
Deputies contacted Coe at his residence in Vancouver on Thursday at about 9 a.m. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Clark County Jail on one count of fourth‑degree assault.
Community response
The incident underscores the importance of swift law‑enforcement response to violent encounters in public spaces. Clark County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson emphasized that the department will continue to investigate assaults and protect shoppers and families who frequent local retail centers.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious or violent activity to the sheriff’s office promptly, and to cooperate with investigators by providing any available video or photographic evidence.
Next steps
Coe will appear before a Clark County judge for a preliminary hearing. If convicted, fourth‑degree assault in Washington can carry a maximum penalty of up to 90 days in jail and a fine of $1,000, though sentencing will depend on the court’s assessment of the circumstances.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office continues to monitor the case and will provide updates as the legal process moves forward.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
