Crime Spree Figure Charged In Death

A Washougal man was charged Monday with vehicular homicide in a hit-and-run death during a 45-minute, weekend crime spree, the Clark County prosecutor’s office said.

Douglas John Michel, 34, is accused in the death of Elton “Ray” Hubbard, 61, also of Washougal.

Michel, who had been hospitalized since Saturday with a gunshot wound to the left arm, was released from Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland on Monday into the custody of waiting police officers.

In only three-quarters of an hour Saturday in Camas, police said, Michel stole a pickup truck; was involved in a fatal traffic accident; strong-armed a woman’s car with three children inside; and stole a police Jeep and drove it into Lacamas Lake.

A Camas police officer fired four shots at Michel when he sped off in the police car, hitting Michel once in the arm.

Michel reportedly told a police officer he had been using methamphetamine.

Prosecutor Art Curtis said the vehicular homicide charge is only one of several that will be filed against Michel.