Victim’s name released, items collected from residence
CHESAW – The victim in the fatal shooting on Pontiac Ridge Monday, Sept. 2 was Michael R. Carrigan, 52, of Hoquiam Wash., according to Okanogan Sheriff Frank Rogers who says law enforcement have “persons of interest.”
Carrigan was grouse hunting with George R. Stover, 65, of Hoquiam. According to Stover, the two of the them were driving around looking for grouse on Pontiac Ridge.
Stover told police that they drove onto Cow Camp Road and saw a grouse in a tree off the side of the road. He said they stopped and Carrigan got out of the vehicle and walked into a field and shot at the grouse.
“Carrigan missed and shot again and according to Stover at this time he heard another shot come from somewhere else,” said Sheriff Rogers. “Stover, who was still sitting in the vehicle, said he saw Carrigan turn around and could see blood on him. Stover said that Carrigan then fell down and at that time Stover said he heard another shot, so he drove out of the area to get help from law enforcement.”
Members of the sheriff’s office, state Department of Fish and Wildlife and U.S. Border Patrol arrived on scene that night and discovered that Carrigan was dead from an apparent gunshot wound, according to Rogers.
On Tuesday members from the sheriff’s office, Fish and Wildlife and the State Patrol Crime Lab processed the crime scene, including a residence which is located approximately 100 yards from the scene.
“The two occupants of the residence have been interviewed and several items were collected from the residence. Currently no arrests have been made but we do have persons of interest,” said Rogers.
Carrigan’s wife was notified Tuesday night of the death of her husband. An autopsy is scheduled for Carrigan today and the investigation is still on going, said Rogers.
