SCAPPOOSE, Ore. - A man has been taken into custody in connection with the murder of a 34-year-old woman in Scappoose. The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Derek Lee Welter, was apprehended by law enforcement authorities on Tuesday evening.

The harrowing incident unfolded shortly after 2:30 p.m. when deputies received a distress call from a woman reporting that her daughter had been stabbed at a residence on Southwest 4th Street. Responding deputies discovered the victim, identified as Rhiannon Amelia Meyer, unresponsive on the front porch of the house. Tragically, Meyer succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter.

In the aftermath of the incident, law enforcement officers quickly gathered information about Welter and the vehicle he was believed to be driving, launching a comprehensive search of the area. Meanwhile, near Grant Watts Elementary School, local residents reported some form of disturbance in the vicinity that coincided with the police activity. As a precautionary measure, the Scappoose School District placed all its schools under "secure" status. Fortunately, the situation was resolved, and the lockdown was lifted by 4:30 p.m.

Later in the evening, an Oregon State Police trooper located Welter's vehicle in the Gunners Lake Main-line area at approximately 6 p.m. Coordinating with additional law enforcement personnel, the trooper attempted to halt the suspect. Authorities report that Welter initially attempted to evade capture by reversing his vehicle, but he ultimately reached a dead end and was unable to proceed any further.

Given Welter's known access to firearms, the OSP SWAT team was summoned to the scene to ensure the safety of all involved. At around 11:30 p.m., Welter was successfully apprehended by SWAT officers at gunpoint.

Welter has been booked into the Columbia County Jail on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and unlawful use of a weapon. Records reveal that Welter had recently been released on bail on December 8 for a pending court appearance related to aggravated animal abuse charges, stemming from the alleged killing of a dog.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the tragic murder of Rhiannon Amelia Meyer, seeking to gather additional evidence and piece together the events leading up to the incident. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community of Scappoose remains in shock and mourning as they grapple with the loss of a beloved member.

The Columbia County Sheriff's Office extends their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Rhiannon Amelia Meyer, assuring them that they will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice.