Kalama, WA. — The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies received a domestic violence report on January 1, 2026, stemming from an incident that occurred the night of December 31, 2025, at a residence in the 200 block of Green Mountain Lane in Kalama.
According to investigators, the incident began during a New Year’s Eve gathering when 23-year-old resident Hunter Scott Minton became intoxicated and belligerent. Minton’s girlfriend and another female at the residence reportedly hid in a bathroom out of fear for their safety.
The victim told deputies she attempted to leave the residence, but Minton allegedly pulled her out of her vehicle against her will. She was later able to convince Minton to leave the area with her in the vehicle. Approximately five minutes after departing, Minton reportedly removed a handgun from his waistband and threatened to kill himself if she did not allow him to drive. He also allegedly warned her not to contact law enforcement and threatened to harm her if she did.
Deputies stated that due to Minton’s intoxication, threats, and possession of a firearm, the victim did not feel free to leave and believed her life was in imminent danger. She ultimately allowed Minton to drive, and the pair traveled to Woodland. At one point during the drive, Minton reportedly exited the vehicle and made threats about returning home and killing his entire family.
Investigators obtained surveillance video from Woodland-area businesses that corroborated the victim’s timeline. A business employee told deputies Minton appeared erratic and that the victim seemed distressed. The victim later dropped Minton off at a hotel in Vancouver. Deputies noted the victim had visible bruising consistent with her account of the assault.
Minton could not be located on January 1, but family members advised deputies that he was known to carry a .45-caliber handgun. On January 6, 2026, deputies located Minton at his Green Mountain Lane residence and took him into custody. A search warrant was served, and deputies recovered a .45-caliber pistol matching the description provided by the victim.
Minton was booked into the Cowlitz County Jail on charges of Kidnapping in the Second Degree, Taking a Motor Vehicle Without Permission in the Second Degree, Felony Harassment, Interfering with Domestic Violence Reporting, Assault in the Fourth Degree, and Reckless Endangerment. All charges are designated as domestic violence offenses.
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