New Details After Yakima Chase and Shooting in Yakima Thursday

A 24-year-old man is being held in the Yakima County jail after a chase and shooting in Yakima on Thursday. According to a press release from the Yakima Police Department Officers were first called for a report of a stolen vehicle in the area of the Yakima County jail.

WHERE DID THE GUN COME FROM?

According to a probable cause affidavit from the Yakima County Prosecutor's Office,  the 24-year-old suspect, described as a two-time felon had attended a court hearing where he was allowed freedom on pre-trial release on Thursday. It's not clear why he was in court. The court papers say he met his girlfriend outside the jail and took her car. Police don't know where the gun he used came from. When Officers arrived in the area the suspect took off trying to elude police. Authorities then stopped the pursuit for safety.

Get our free mobile app

NO SHOTS WERE FIRED BY OFFICERS

A short time later the vehicle was spotted on North 16th Avenue where the chase started again with the driver firing shots at Officers. Police say three patrol vehicles were hit by gunfire. No Officers fired back.The suspect then drove eastbound on Yakima Avenue and crashed into a van at intersection of S. 4th Ave and Yakima Ave. The 24-year-old driver jumped out of the vehicle and immediately surrendered to police. People in the other vehicle were taken to a Yakima hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

THE INTERIM CHIEF SAYS HE'S PROUD OF HIS OFFICERS

Yakima interim Police Chief Shawn Boyle says "this senseless act of violence, targeting our officers highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement professionals in our community every day. I commend the members of the Yakima Police Department and surrounding agencies who assisted in apprehending the suspect and investigating this violent incident. We are committed to making our community a safer place to live, work and visit. The continued community support we receive on a daily basis is appreciated by all of our staff.”

THE SUSPECT IS IN THE COUNTY JAIL WHERE THE CHASE STARTED

The press release says the 24-year-old driver, faces charges including 6 counts of 1st Degree Assault, Attempt to Elude, Unlawful possession of a Firearm, Vehicular Assault, DUI and Taking a Motor Vehicle Without Permission. The papers say he is a two-time convicted felon and that he was using a Glock 43 to shoot at Officers. The gun belonged to his girlfriend and was in the car. After his arrest he admitted to authorities he had recently consumed methamphetamine.
Anyone with additional information related to this incident are asked to contact the Yakima Police Department at (509) 575-6200.