The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of an attempted murder suspect. On February 6, 2023 around 8:14 p.m., deputies responded to a reported assault at 11475 SW Tonquin Road. At the scene, authorities learned that a 47-year-old male victim had been ambushed and shot outside his business office.

The victim was shot multiple times in the legs with a shotgun. After the victim was treated at the hospital, they were released. Washington County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit detectives conducted interviews and collected evidence including the shotgun used in the shooting.

Investigators say they identified 43-year-old George Ditzler of Marietta, Pennsylvania as a person of interest. Authorities say Ditzler reportedly had a romantic relationship with an individual who became involved with the victim. Ditzler allegedly planned to kill the victim and shared his plot with an acquaintance who shared this information with detectives.

DNA analysis of the shotgun by the Oregon State Police Crime Lab reportedly implicated Ditzler. On December 20, 2023, a grand jury indicted Ditzler on charges of attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree, and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon. The Lancaster Police Bureau in Pennsylvania apprehended Ditzler on December 22, 2023.

Ditzler is awaiting extradition to Oregon.