05/21/2026
On May 20, 2026, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Shelton Police officers responded to a disturbance involving an assault in the 400 block of Park Street in Shelton.
During the incident, a 3-year-old child who had been living with relatives was taken from the residence by his biological father. The father was also identified as the suspect in the assault.
A Shelton Police officer later observed the suspect vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The vehicle fled, resulting in a short pursuit. Once the officer learned that the 3-year-old child was likely inside the vehicle, the officer disengaged from the pursuit out of concern for the child’s safety.
The suspect vehicle was located a short time later, unoccupied, in a heavily wooded area. With assistance from the Mason County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Patrol, law enforcement conducted multiple K9 tracks and overhead drone searches.
Based on the circumstances and the actions of the father, officers determined the child was in imminent danger. An Amber Alert was requested and issued within two hours of the original call on behalf of the Shelton Police Department.
Additional resources from the FBI and the King County Sheriff’s Office Guardian One helicopter were also requested to assist in the search.
At approximately 4:00 p.m., a homeowner in the 500 block of SE Binns Swiger Loop Road located the child and the father. The homeowner was able to secure the child as the father fled into a wooded area.
Shelton Police officers and Mason County Sheriff’s Office deputies, with assistance from K9 teams and King County Sheriff’s Office Guardian One, located the father and took him into custody.
The child was evaluated by medics and is in good condition. The father sustained minor injuries.
The Shelton Police Department would like to thank the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, Mason County District 4 Fire Department, MACECOM, the FBI, and the King County Sheriff’s Office Guardian One for their assistance. We also extend our appreciation to the community members who remained alert and helped bring this incident to a safe resolution.
This remains an active investigation, and additional information may be released when appropriate.
