Police identify suspects in elk poaching case

Union County, Ore. – Oregon State Police have arrested two people who allegedly aided or participated in the unlawful killing and wasting of two bull elk in Union County. Officers are still searching for a third suspect.

22-year-old Dylan Crouch and 18-year-old Brianna Black, both from Elgin, were charged with three counts of aiding in a game violation, according to OSP.

Investigators said they’re still looking for a third suspect, 26-year-old Nathan Crouch. He may have fled the state. He’s facing numerous charges including two counts of the unlawful taking of a bull elk, hunting with the aid of a motor vehicle, hunting on the enclosed lands of another and hunting on a prohibited roadway.

The three suspects allegedly took part in the killing of two elk off of Yarrington Road, northeast of Elgin. The two bull elk were found alongside the roadway on November 16^th.

OSP said during the course of the investigation, it became apparent that Nathan Crouch also illegally killed a bull elk in Union county a few years ago. The antlers were seized by troopers, but Crouch will not be charged due to the statute of limitation.

Anyone with information is urged to contact OSP Senior Trooper Marcus McDowell through the TIP hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or email at [email protected].