May 21, 2023
KENNEWICK, Wash. – A Washington State Patrol (WSP) trooper was engaged in an officer-involved shooting that occurred just after 6 a.m. today on Interstate 82 in Kennewick. No one was struck by gunfire during the incident.
The incident began at 5:54 a.m. when the trooper contacted a disabled motorist stopped on the shoulder near milepost 109 at the Badger Canyon exit. The trooper notified WSP Communications the individual appeared to be in distress and requested aid.
Just after 6 a.m., the officer-involved shooting incident occurred. Neither the individual nor the trooper were struck by gunfire. The individual was taken into custody.
The involved trooper is on paid administrative leave, per WSP policy.
An Independent Investigation Team (IIT) Special Investigations Unit (SOI) responded to the scene. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) will be the primary investigating agency on behalf of the IIT. All inquiries involving the incident and ongoing investigation are too be directed to the BCSO per WAC 139-12.
Media inquiries are can be directed to BCSO Commander Lee Cantu at (509) 735-6555.
Per WAC 139-12, the IIT is unable to release any criminal history related to the individual, which includes the circumstances surrounding the initial contact, which prompted the law enforcement response. This information can only be released if specifically requested by the media, and is able to be released consistent with the Public Records Act Chapter 42.56 RCW
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