Man dead, suspect in custody in Hockinson shooting

A 73-year-old man is dead after a shooting Monday morning near Hockinson.

Deputies found Gary R. Bender with gunshot wounds to his chest at a residence in the 19700 block of Northeast Davis Road around 11:15 a.m., according to the Clark County Sheriff's Office. Shortly after, authorities arrested Brian E. Kangas, 34, of Battle Ground. He was booked into the Clark County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder.

Witnesses reported Kangas and Bender were alone inside the residence before the shooting. After neighbors reported gunfire, Kangas was seen bicycling away, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.

Deputies found Kangas near the intersection of Northeast 182nd Avenue and Risto Road, where they arrested him without incident at 11:42 a.m. Kangas was carrying a handgun, which was seized as evidence, according to the sheriff's office.

The investigation is continuing.

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This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 5:56 PM.