Arrests made stemming from Longview union protests

KELSO, Wash. — Authorities in Washington have arrested two people in connection with the union takeover of a Longview grain terminal, including a worker caught on video in a vulgarity-laced tirade outside the union hall.

The Cowlitz County Sheriff's office says 45-year-old Ronald Patrick Stavas, of Kelso, is accused of assaulting a guard and breaking into the EGT terminal on Thursday. He was arrested for first-degree burglary, second-degree assault, intimidating a witness and sabotage. Bail was set at $50,000.

Witnesses identified Stavas on the KGW-TV video.

Authorities also arrested 39-year-old Shelly Ann Porter, of Longview, for trespassing when she blocked a train. She was booked and released.

The union believes it has the right to work at the EGT facility, but the company has hired a contractor using laborers from another union.