Ten children were taken into state protective custody after deputies with the King County Sheriff’s Office responded to a medical emergency at a home near Maple Valley on Thursday night, according to reporting by MyNorthwest. Deputies arrived at the residence on S.E. 200th Street to assist a woman who was reported to be in medical distress, but investigators said she was found dead when they entered the home.

Inside, deputies also found ten children, including a one‑year‑old, who Sgt. Earl Seratt said were sick and required immediate care. All were transported to local hospitals for treatment before being placed into the custody of Child Protective Services later that day. Investigators returned to the home Friday morning with a search warrant and CPS caseworkers.

As of Saturday, authorities had not publicly identified the deceased woman, and investigators have not clarified whether she had any relationship to the children. Sgt. Seratt described the interior conditions of the home as severe, saying only that the children “were not in a good spot” and that CPS determined removal was necessary for their safety.

The King County Sheriff’s Office also confirmed that the residence has been the source of repeated law‑enforcement calls in the past. No arrests have been made, but detectives said they expect potential criminal charges as the investigation continues.

Why this matters for Cowlitz County

While the incident occurred in King County, similar situations elsewhere in Washington can influence how regional agencies—including those serving Cowlitz County—coordinate emergency response, child welfare interventions, and multi‑agency investigations. Cases like this often shape statewide policy discussions around CPS caseloads, cross‑agency communication, and the handling of households with repeated law‑enforcement contacts.