Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Ex-boyfriend allegedly stole dog, chased victim and more
PULLMAN –– A Pullman man was arrested for Residential Burglary, Stalking and 3rd Degree Malicious Mischief.
Preston Rae Farrell, 22, was arrested and booked into the Whitman County Jail on Saturday, Jan. 27, and is currently held on a $250,000 bond or $25,000 cash bail.
The incident unfolded on Saturday, Jan. 27, when Alexis S. Ocampo, residing at a North East Terre View Dr apartment, reported a burglary and threats involving her ex-boyfriend, Ferrell. The Pullman Police Department swiftly responded to the distress call, leading to Ferrell’s arrest.
According to the report filed by Officer Shane Emerson, Ocampo detailed an encounter with Ferrell, who allegedly broke into her apartment, ransacked the premises, and reportedly took her dog. The events began the previous night when Ocampo found Ferrell inside her residence. Ocampo attempted to escape, claiming Ferrell chased her in his gray 2012 Dodge Ram, forcing her to make illegal passes and speed away.
Further investigation revealed that Ferrell disassembled the deadbolt on Ocampo’s front door and damaged furniture in her room. Ocampo explained that Ferrell’s destructive actions were driven by her alleged infidelity, which he discovered the previous evening.
The situation escalated when Ferrell contacted Ocampo, threatening her small dog’s life and demanding a meeting at a local Rite Aid. The meeting concluded with Ferrell returning the dog but taking possession of a long rifle Ocampo had been holding for him. Ocampo disclosed that Ferrell had a conviction for violating a domestic violence protection order and had expressed dangerous intentions in the past, including fantasies of harming law enforcement.
Reports say that concerns for Ocampo’s safety grew as she pointed out black garbage bags containing clothing Ferrell allegedly forced her to discard. Additionally, she showed a hat and a rainbow-colored bathing suit that Ferrell had cut into pieces. Officer Emerson advised other agencies of probable cause for Ferrell’s arrest.
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) apprehended Ferrell on SR 195 at MP 61 without incident. During an interview conducted by Whitman County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Cooper, Ferrell denied some of the allegations, including having a firearm, but confirmed disassembling the deadbolt weeks prior. Ferrell was subsequently arrested and transported to Whitman County Jail.
Ocampo, who underwent a lethality assessment, expressed fear for her life, citing previous incidents of violence and control by Ferrell. Officer Emerson’s report included details of Ocampo’s plan to leave the area due to the perceived danger. Authorities noted Ferrell’s knowledge of the whereabouts of Ocampo’s family, adding to the situation’s urgency.
With a prior conviction for violating a protection order, Ferrell is currently in custody, pending further legal proceedings.
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
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