Fatal Shooting in East Wenatchee: One in Custody as Police Investigate
A quiet East Wenatchee neighborhood was shaken late Friday night following a fatal shooting that has left one man dead and another in police custody. Authorities responded to reports of gunfire around 10 p.m. near the intersection of Ninth Street and Baker Avenue, a typically calm residential area.
Upon arrival, officers from the East Wenatchee Police Department discovered a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency responders provided immediate medical assistance, but despite their efforts, the victim succumbed to his injuries while en route to Confluence Health Hospital, according to East Wenatchee Police Chief Rick Johnson.
Preliminary witness accounts indicated that the shooter may have been located next door to the victim’s residence. Acting swiftly, officers located and detained a male suspect for questioning. As of now, no identifying information has been released for either the victim or the suspect, pending notification of family members and further investigation.
Police Chief Johnson stated that early indications suggest the victim and suspect were neighbors, although the circumstances that led to the shooting remain unclear. Investigators are currently working to determine the nature of the relationship between the two men and what may have sparked the deadly confrontation.
The Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory in Spokane has been called in to assist in the investigation. Their team will process the scene for forensic evidence throughout the night and into Saturday morning. As a result, a portion of Ninth Street—between Valley Mall Parkway and Baker Avenue—will remain closed to all traffic until investigators complete their work.
“This is a tragic event for everyone involved, including neighbors and first responders,” said Chief Johnson. “We are conducting a thorough investigation to understand what led to this loss of life.”
The neighborhood remains on edge as details continue to unfold. Residents have expressed shock over the incident, many describing the area as a safe and close-knit community. “We never expected something like this to happen here,” said one neighbor who asked not to be named. “It’s heartbreaking.”
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. Individuals may contact the East Wenatchee Police Department or submit tips anonymously through the department’s hotline.
This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available, including the identities of those involved and any potential charges that may be filed. For now, the community waits for answers as law enforcement works diligently to piece together the events that led to this senseless tragedy.