When suspect Brian Butts was in an armed confrontation with officers, he was armed with a loaded semi-automatic handgun and had methamphetamine
More information was released Monday in the investigation into the officer involved shooting that killed the suspect in the death of Cowlitz County Deputy Justin DeRosier.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office released information that when suspect Brian Butts was in an armed confrontation with officers, Butts was armed with a loaded semi-automatic handgun. Butts also had approximately 45 grams of suspected methamphetamine on his person at the time of the shooting.
Forensic analysis of the handgun is being conducted to determine the connection to Deputy DeRosier’s homicide.
Late last week, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office released a timeline of events in the DeRosier investigation.
Timeline of events
- On Sat., April 13 at approximately 9:26 p.m., a local resident calls in a motorhome and white pick-up blocking the 100 block of Fallert Road in Cowlitz County.
- At 9:29 p.m., Deputy DeRosier was dispatched to the call and responds.
- At 10:11 p.m., Deputy DeRosier arrives at the 100 block of Fallert Road.
- At 10:13 p.m., Deputy DeRosier broadcasts shots have been fired and he is hit. Deputy DeRosier was able to make it back to his patrol vehicle, retrieve his patrol rifle and was kneeling at the rear of the vehicle when two Kalama Police officers arrived and performed an officer rescue. Deputy DeRosier was able to provide a description of the suspect and direction of the suspect’s escape. The license plate was run on the motorhome and the registered owner was contacted. The owner relayed they had given the motorhome to Brian Butts a year prior.
- On Sun., April 14 at approximately 2 a.m., Matthew Veatch is located walking down the roadway on Modrow Road. Veatch provides a statement and is subsequently arrested for Rendering Criminal Assistance 1st degree. Probable cause is developed for his residence at 389 Fallert Road where a search warrant was served. Matthew’s brother, Michael, was contacted along with their mother, Cheryl Veatch. Michael was arrested on a Department of Corrections warrant. Through subsequent interviews it was learned Brian Butts made his way to the Veatch residence immediately following the shooting. Throughout the day officers from multiple agencies, multiple tactical teams, and searching assets continued to search the area for Brian Butts.
- On Sun., April 14 at approximately 7 p.m., information was received by Cowlitz County of a suspicious person at the 400 block of Spencer Creek Road. The suspicious person was contacted by two Kelso Police officers and an armed confrontation ensued. Brian Butts was identified as the male killed by officers during the confrontation. Detectives are conducting forensic analysis of evidence obtained at the homicide scene, the Veatch residence, seized vehicles, and the officer involved shooting scene.
The investigation continues. If anyone has any information in regard to the homicide or the officer involved shooting they are asked to contact Clark County Sergeant Todd Barsness at (360) 397-2020 or Vancouver Police Detective Jason Mills (360) 487-7425.
No further information available at this time.
Information provided by Clark Co. Sheriff’s Office.
