Dayton man charged with assaulting Columbia County Sheriff's deputy

DAYTON–A Dayton man is facing a felony charge in the aftermath of an altercation with a Columbia County Deputy on March 10.

Travis R. Garcia, 37, 1201 S. 2nd St., is scheduled to appear in Columbia County Superior Court on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, on charges of third-degree assault-resisting, and obstructing a law enforcement officer. The assault charge is a Class C felony punishable by five year and/or $10,000 fine. The obstructing charge is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by 364 days imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.

The charges stem from an incident at 2:34 p.m. on March 10, on South 4th Street. Deputy Riley Conahan was on routine patrol when he observed a vehicle pulling a trailer which was allegedly unlicensed. Conahan made the traffic stop on East Mustard Street with a vehicle driven by Garcia reported to be following the unlicensed trailer at close range.

After Conahan contacted the driver, Garcia allegedly began interacting with the deputy, who requested and ordered Garcia to return to his vehicle and stop interfering with the traffic stop. The situation escalated and Garcia allegedly did not comply and ignored warnings of the consequences of his behavior.

In attempting to take Garcia into custody, Garcia allegedly fought with, shoved and attempted to place in a headlock the deputy. Conahan radioed for assistance and, after a scuffle which resulted in both persons going to the ground, Garcia broke contact and allegedly tried to return to his vehicle.

Garcia was transported to Walla Walla County Jail.