Cowlitz Tribal Police Chief Charles Gardiner investigated for sex crimes before suicide

Clark County sheriff’s deputies are investigating allegations that Charles Gardiner, the former interim chief of the Cowlitz Tribal Public Safety Department, committed sex offenses against a minor prior to his death by apparent suicide. Gardiner was discovered inside a Vancouver residence on April 23, leading to a physical altercation with the homeowner before he fled and was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a nearby vehicle. Authorities initially responded to reports of a burglary, but have since clarified that there was no evidence of a break-in and that the incident is now split into two investigations: Gardiner’s death and the alleged sex crimes. The sheriff’s office has limited the release of additional details due to the sensitive nature of the case. Gardiner previously served in the U.S. Army and as a Washington State Patrol trooper before his interim chief position. The Cowlitz Tribal Public Safety Department has not commented on the situation.