Yakima County security officer opens fire on suspected car thief
YAKIMA, Wash. Dec 1 2017 — A police stop of a suspected stolen vehicle erupted in gunfire Thursday morning when a Yakima County Juvenile Justice Center security officer fired at the vehicle after it entered the center’s parking lot.
Shortly before 9 a.m., two Yakima police officers spotted a Honda Accord — reported stolen while it was being warmed up — and followed it as it turned into the center’s parking lot at 1728 Jerome Ave. With emergency lights on, the police cars moved in to stop the Accord. That’s when the security officer stationed inside the justice center came out to help.
Although the exact circumstances remain unclear, officials say the security officer fired at the car.
The 23-year-old driver, who crashed the Accord into another vehicle in the parking lot, was not injured. He was arrested.
Because the security officer who fired the shots is a county employee, Yakima police will investigate the shooting. However, the sheriff’s office will conduct its own administrative review.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office at 509-574-2500, or the Yakima Police Department at 509-575-6200.
