COLLEGE PLACE, WA — A College Place resident has been arrested following a months-long investigation into reports of a drone being used to spy on individuals in private settings near Walla Walla University, police said Tuesday.
According to the College Place Police Department, the investigation began in early 2024 after multiple complaints were made about a drone flying around the women’s dormitory at WWU. A break in the case came recently when university security recovered a crashed drone, which contained data that ultimately led police to a suspect.
Officers executed a search warrant around 4:00 p.m. on July 8 at a residence in the 20 block of NE Tremont Drive. There, they arrested 60-year-old Ross Wright of College Place. He was booked into the Walla Walla Corrections Facility on two counts of first-degree voyeurism, a Class C felony.
Police say the recovered drone contained images of individuals engaged in private activities, including footage taken around the women’s dorms and nearby homes. Some of the individuals were identifiable, and officers have been in contact with those victims.
“This behavior is exceptionally disturbing,” said Chief Tomaras of the College Place Police Department. “Individuals have an expectation of privacy within their homes.”
During the search of Wright’s home, officers seized several data storage devices. Authorities say those items will be reviewed to determine whether there are additional victims or grounds for further charges.
The College Place Police Department thanked Walla Walla University for their assistance during the investigation.
The case remains active.
