The Hunt for a West Richland Double – Murder Suspect is Over After Pursuit in Oregon

Update on the Huizar Manhunt

 4/23/2024 4:42

The man hunt for Elias Huizar is over after a high speed pursuit in Oregon.

According to Southern Oregon Scanner, the pursuit ended on I-5 and the suspect is thought to have shot themselves. Oregon Sate Police (OSP) chased the suspect  at speeds over 100 MPH along I-5 near Eugene, Oregon. OSP says that the Huizar's one- year old son is safe.

Original Coverage 4/22/2024

WEST RICHLAND COMMUNITY SHOCKED BY TRAGIC SHOOTING AT SCHOOL

A sad and tragic scene unfolded in West Richland on Monday after a woman was killed in front of an elementary school, and another victim was found inside a nearby home.

The West Richland Police Department (WRPD) said just after 3 p.m. on Monday, April 22nd, they got a call that a person had been shot at Wiley Elementary School. Officers later confirmed that the woman had died on the school’s campus. Police have identified the victim as, Amber Rodriguez, the ex-wife of the suspect.  

According to the Richland School District, Huizar hid behind a portable unit and waited for the victim before coming out and shooting the woman.

WRPD spokesperson Commander Mitchell Coates, said the suspect was 40-year-old Elias Huizar. Huizar is a former Yakima Police and School Resource Officer who served from 2013-2021. The Richland School District also confirmed that Huizar was a former substitute teacher who had worked in the district from February 2022 until June 2023.

Huizar was facing several charges  and was out on bail.  You can read more about his past here.

A Second Victim in West Richland

A search ensued, and SWAT Officers and bomb squad crews were stationed in front of a house along South Highlands Boulevard near the school. Around 8 p.m. West Richland Police Detectives and other partner agencies served a search warrant. They discovered a second murder victim. Investigators said that the body inside was that of his ex-girlfriend. 

A Manhunt for Huizar Ensues

Coates said that Huizar fled the scene of Monday's shooting in a 2009 Toyota Corolla with license plate number CBZ474. The suspect is described as 5’6” tall and weighs around 170 lbs. Law-enforcement officials had reason to believe that Huizar might have been headed to Mexico. 

Police said he took his one year old son with him and was armed and considered dangerous and was likely to commit more crimes.

If you have any Information, Contact the West Richland Police Department.

Officers ask anyone who sees anything unusual to contact the West Richland Police Department at their non-emergency number, 509-628-0333, or 911 if it is an emergency.

► UPDATE: Amber Alert Issued In Connection to Wiley School Shooting