Cowlitz Tribal Police Chief found dead amid burglary investigation

Charles Gardiner, the interim chief of the Cowlitz Tribal Public Safety Department and a former Washington State Patrol trooper, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a reported home burglary in northeast Vancouver, according to the Clark County Sheriff's Office. Deputies responded to a burglary call late Wednesday evening, with witnesses reporting a man inside a residence who fled the scene. Law enforcement later discovered Gardiner's body in a car nearby, matching the suspect's description. The community expressed shock, describing Gardiner as a well-respected neighbor and dedicated public servant, with no prior indications of trouble. The Major Crimes Unit is actively investigating the incident, including Gardiner's reasons for being at the residence. The Cowlitz Indian Tribe acknowledged the tragedy and deferred further comment to law enforcement.