Clark County law‑enforcement officials announced on Tuesday, September 8, that Mai E. Hinton has been taken into custody and placed in the Clark County Jail. Hinton was originally wanted for the fatal shooting of Berlin Caetano on April 18, 2026, in Vancouver, Washington.
Background of the homicide
According to the Vancouver Police Department, Caetano was shot while seated in his vehicle in a parking lot on the 1100‑800 block of Southeast Mill Plain Boulevard. The incident remains classified as a second‑degree murder, and investigators have linked Hinton to the crime based on evidence gathered at the scene and subsequent investigative work.
Surrender and transfer
Police in Tacoma were notified on Tuesday that Hinton had voluntarily surrendered to authorities. Following the surrender, Hinton was detained at the Pierce County Jail. Detectives from the Vancouver Police Department then coordinated his transport to Clark County, where he was booked on three counts: second‑degree murder, unlawful firearm possession, and a fugitive warrant.
Charges and next steps
The Clark County Jail booking documents list the charges as murder in the second degree, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and a warrant for failure to appear in another jurisdiction. No additional details about the investigation or potential court dates have been released at this time.
Community response
Local residents expressed relief that the suspect is now in custody, emphasizing the importance of swift justice for violent crimes. Community leaders reiterated their support for law‑enforcement efforts to keep neighborhoods safe and urged anyone with further information about the case to contact the Vancouver Police Department.
What this means for public safety
The prompt surrender and transfer of Hinton demonstrate effective inter‑agency cooperation between Tacoma, Pierce County, and Clark County authorities. Officials highlighted that such collaboration is essential for maintaining public safety and ensuring that suspects are held accountable across jurisdictional lines.
Authorities have not announced any further releases regarding the investigation. The case will continue to be monitored by the Vancouver Police Department and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office as it moves through the criminal justice system.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
