Attempt of a hug leads to man's arrest in Woodland

Newly released court records show the transient man arrested over the weekend for allegedly assaulting a gas station employee in Woodland attempted to hug her from behind.

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Jonathan J. Beasley, 29, was in Cowlitz County Jail as of Thursday.

He entered the Woodland Chevron gas station at 1010 Atlantic Ave. on Saturday and asked an employee for directions to the bus stop, according to the report that led to his arrest.

The employee then declined when he asked her for a hug, but he tried to do so from behind anyway, the report states.

She told police she pushed him away.

At about 3:41 p.m., a Woodland Police Department officer was dispatched to the Chevron after the victim reported Beasley.

The police were able to locate him due to a run-in with law enforcement the day before at the Oyo Motel, just down the street.

At the Oyo Motel, Beasley was detained. After being read his Miranda Rights, he reportedly gave inconsistent explanations over the incident and was placed under arrest on suspicion of fourth-degree assault, carrying a firearm without a permit, and possessing a stolen firearm.

Police report finding a Glock 10mm handgun in Beasley's backpack. The gun was later confirmed to have been stolen by the Seattle Police Department. Arresting documents do not say when the gun went missing.

During Monday's preliminary appearance in Cowlitz County Superior Court, Beasley's bail was set at $15,000, a lawyer was appointed to represent him, and Judge Thad Scudder signed a no-contact order.

Beasley's next hearing is scheduled for Monday.

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This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 6:18 PM.