Man Found Dead in Car Upside Down in Canal Near Granger

Yakima County Sheriff's Detective are investigating a possible gang related homicide reported near Granger on Thursday. Deputies were first called to a rollover crash in the area of Church Road and SR 223 but while on their way to the crash Deputies were notified of a gunshot victim in the 100 block of Schuster Road.

DEPUTIES FOUND MAN DEAD IN A VEHICLE

When Deputies arrived they found both calls were related. They found a vehicle submerged upside down in a canal with the driver still inside the vehicle. During the investigation Detectives learned from the victims family members that the 19-year-old driver, identified as Anthony Govanny Mendoza-Salazar from Granger was shot while driving in the area and later crashed the vehicle into the canal.
No arrests have been made as the investigation continues.

AUTHORITIES UP AND DOWN THE VALLEY DEAL WITH GANG RELATED CRIME

Gang crime keeps authorities busy in the Yakima valley. In fact Yakima Police are still investigating a gang related shooting that wounded a 14-year-old boy near Eisenhower High School on September 12.  Authorities arrested a 15-year-old boy from the "Yakima area" in connection with the near fatal shooting. the 15-year-old suspect is being held in the Yakima County Juvenile Justice Center as the 14-year-old victim continues to recover from injuries.

FLOCK CAMERAS AND SECURITY CAMERAS HELPING POLICE AGENCIES

Police say they're also thankful for FLOCK cameras that are now located in cities up and down the Yakima valley. The cameras read license plates and take pictures to give police specific information. Yakima Police Capt. Jay Seely calls the cameras a game changer when it comes to fighting local crime. He says they've been responsible for helping police locate stolen vehicles and make many arrests.