By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – A worker walked off the job at Cowlitz Timber Trails near Salkum yesterday after encountering an angry 69-year-old man who reportedly held him at gunpoint, telling him he could shoot him and anyone else who came onto his property, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.
A deputy called just before 12:20 p.m. about the incident at the 1800 block of Spencer Road was told it happened on the property line in the woods and the 42-year-old resident of Silver Creek had been using a chainsaw to clear brush.
The victim said the man was pointing the firearm at him from within five feet, ranting about a property dispute and the victim was very afraid he was going to die, Chief Deputy Stacy Brown said. The gunman after about 30 seconds put his pistol away and the victim walked off the job, according to the sheriff’s office.
Cowlitz Timber Trails is a membership-based camping and recreation property along the Cowlitz River.
Roger K. Wilkinson, 69, Salkum, was contacted, arrested for first-degree assault and booked into the Lewis County Jail. He is scheduled to be brought before a judge this afternoon in Lewis County Superior Court to hear what, if any, charges will be filed against him.