Clallam County authorities are actively searching for a 30-year-old Port Angeles man who entered a wooded area on Monday afternoon following a domestic violence incident. The Clallam County Sheriff's Office reported that the individual fled the scene carrying a knife.
Deputies arrived at a residence on South Bay View Avenue at approximately 2:32 p.m. on August 10. A 911 caller reported that the man, Aaron J. Hatfield, had assaulted the reporter, damaged a Ring security camera with an axe, and broken a mobile phone. Following the confrontation, Hatfield reportedly ran west on foot into nearby trees while holding a blade.
In response to the search efforts, the county issued an emergency alert via Everbridge. The notification covered the region south of Bay View Avenue, extending from Monroe Road to Mount Pleasant Road.
Officers from both the Clallam County Sheriff's Office and the Port Angeles Police Department deployed to the area. The search operation included a K9 tracking team and aerial drone support. Despite what officials described as a thorough sweep, the suspect was not found.
Witnesses were told that Hatfield was shirtless and wearing gray sweatpants.
The sheriff's office indicated that deputies have probable cause to arrest the man for three distinct domestic violence offenses. These charges include residential burglary, assault in violation of a no-contact order, and third-degree malicious mischief. Under Washington state law, both the residential burglary and the no-contact order violation are classified as felonies.
Officials stated that Hatfield remains a person of interest. The agency urged the public to contact 911 immediately if they have information about his location or spot him, advising residents not to approach the individual directly.