Yakima Valley Faces Surge in Gang-Related Crime as Summer Ends

As summer comes to a close, the Yakima Valley is grappling with an ongoing battle against gang-related crime. While the public often hears about high-profile incidents such as homicides and drive-by shootings, local law enforcement encounters gang activity on a daily basis.

THE LATEST SHOOTING TOOK THE LIFE OF A 17-YEAR-OLD

The latest violence erupted last Thursday in Sunnyside, where two rival gang factions exchanged gunfire at a busy intersection. In the chaos, a 17-year-old passenger in one of the vehicles was fatally shot. Authorities quickly apprehended four suspects in connection with the incident.

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A RECENT GANG SHOOTING IN YAKIMA REMAINS UNSOLVED

Yakima Police have also reported another murder related to gang activity, occurring on Friday, August 30. Thirty-seven-year-old Mario Rique Giles was shot and killed near the intersection of North Sixth and East F streets. He died at the scene, prompting an immediate investigation by the Yakima Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division.

YOU CAN CALL IN YOUR TIPS ANONYMOUSLY

Currently, police are working diligently to determine the motive behind Giles' murder and are actively searching for the person or persons responsible. According to a press release, the identity of the suspect(s) remains unknown. To aid the investigation, officials are urging residents and business owners in the North Sixth and East F streets area to review any surveillance footage that may reveal unusual activity around the time of the shooting. Information can be directed to Detective Kevin Cays of the Yakima Police Department Major Crimes Unit at (509) 249-6874. Additionally, tips can be submitted anonymously through Yakima County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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