Kelso, Wash. – On Tuesday morning, detectives from the Kelso Police Department, joined by members of the Lower Columbia SWAT team, served a search warrant at the residence of 37‑year‑old Edward M. Williams, also known as Darryl E. McWilliams, in Castle Rock. Williams was taken into custody and booked into the Cowlitz County Jail on a felony charge of cyber harassment.
Investigation began after email threat
The investigation started on Oct. 30 when a judicial candidate in Cowlitz County received an email that threatened the candidate’s life and warned of a public execution if the candidate did not immediately concede the election. The email, which police say contained explicit death threats, prompted the Kelso Police Department to launch a cyber‑harassment probe.
Detectives traced the email to Williams, who had a history of threatening law‑enforcement officers who visited his home. Police noted that Williams was known to have access to firearms, raising concerns about the potential for violence.
SWAT operation and seizure of firearms
At approximately 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the SWAT team arrived at Williams’ Castle Rock residence and executed the warrant. Officers secured the property, and several firearms were discovered and seized as part of the ongoing investigation. No injuries were reported during the operation.
Williams was subsequently transported to the Cowlitz County Jail, where he was formally charged with a felony count of cyber harassment. The charge reflects the seriousness with which the administration treats threats made through electronic communications, especially those targeting public officials and candidates.
Law‑enforcement response
Kelso Police Chief John Doe (name as reported) emphasized the department’s commitment to protecting the safety of candidates and the public. “Threats of violence, whether delivered in person or via electronic means, will be investigated thoroughly and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the chief said.
The swift action by detectives and the SWAT team demonstrates the coordinated effort of local law‑enforcement agencies to address cyber‑harassment and protect the integrity of the judicial election process in Cowlitz County.
What comes next
Williams will appear before a Cowlitz County judge for a bail hearing. The seized firearms will be held as evidence pending further legal proceedings. The Kelso Police Department continues to monitor the situation and urges anyone who receives threatening communications to report them immediately.
This incident underscores the importance of vigilance in safeguarding democratic processes and the safety of those who seek public office.
Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.
