LONGVIEW, WA — The Longview Police Department has announced the arrest of 33-year-old Shelby D. Toland of Longview in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of 62-year-old Howard K. Eby earlier this month. The arrest follows an extensive, weeks-long investigation that involved digital forensics, surveillance footage, and witness interviews. Authorities have also confirmed that charges are being forwarded against Shelby’s mother, 63-year-old Pamela Toland, for allegedly assisting her daughter after the incident.
According to police reports, the tragic collision occurred on October 4, 2025, around 1:49 a.m. at the intersection of 11th Avenue and Washington Way in Longview. Responding officers discovered Howard Eby lying in the roadway with severe injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. He was transported to Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, where he was later pronounced deceased.
In the days following the crash, detectives launched a comprehensive investigation, piecing together evidence from video surveillance, digital records, and witness statements. Through careful analysis, investigators identified a maroon Toyota Highlander as the vehicle suspected of striking Eby and fleeing the scene.
On October 9, detectives located the suspected vehicle at the residence of Shelby and Pamela Toland. A detailed examination revealed damage consistent with evidence collected at the crash site. Following a search warrant, investigators recovered physical and forensic evidence, including paint transfer samples and DNA evidence, directly linking the Highlander to the scene of the fatal hit-and-run.
Further analysis of communication records and digital data strengthened the case against Shelby. Investigators obtained messages and location information indicating that she was operating the vehicle at the time of the crash. Notably, records from DoorDash, for which Shelby was actively delivering that night, placed her at the precise location and time of the fatal impact.
On October 21, 2025, at approximately 6:24 p.m., Longview Police executed a search warrant at the Toland residence. Shelby D. Toland was taken into custody without incident and subsequently booked into the Cowlitz County Jail, where she awaits formal charges.
As the investigation progressed, detectives determined that Pamela Toland, 63, had allegedly provided assistance to her daughter following the crash. Evidence and witness statements suggest that she was aware of Shelby’s involvement in the fatal incident and withheld information from investigators. As a result, police have forwarded charges of Rendering Criminal Assistance against Pamela to the Cowlitz County Prosecutor’s Office.
Captain Branden McNew of the Longview Police Department commended the tireless work of investigators and forensic specialists whose efforts led to the breakthrough. “This was a complex and deeply tragic case,” McNew stated. “Our hearts go out to the family of Howard Eby, whose life was taken far too soon. We are committed to ensuring accountability and justice for the victim and his loved ones.”
The Longview Police Department continues to urge anyone with additional information regarding this case to come forward. This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of leaving the scene of a crash and the importance of integrity and responsibility in the aftermath of tragedy.
As the community mourns the loss of Howard K. Eby, his family, friends, and neighbors are left grieving a life cut short — and holding onto the hope that justice will bring them some measure of peace.
