While the inquiry into a police shooting in Yakima is ongoing, authorities have disclosed the identity of the individual who reportedly discharged a firearm at officers and was subsequently killed by return fire.
As per the Yakima Police Department, on the afternoon of August 9, officers responded to a report of gunfire in the vicinity of 12th Street and Washington Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered that a 33-year-old woman had been shot and killed, while a 13-year-old boy sustained injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital. Later that evening, a vehicle believed to be associated with the homicide was located, and multiple officers immobilized the car at the intersection of east Walnut Avenue and Third Street using their vehicles.
According to the Yakima Valley Special Investigations Unit, the suspect in the immobilized vehicle, later identified as Roberto Leyva Sanchez, 36, brandished a handgun and fired at the officers. In response, multiple officers returned fire, resulting in Sanchez’s death.
The YVSIU reported that no officers were struck by bullets from Sanchez’s firearm. However, one officer was injured by gunfire and was taken to the hospital. Investigators indicated that the officer’s injuries were not life-threatening, and he was discharged later that day.
The YPD stated that they are conducting an investigation into the incident to ascertain whether the officers’ actions complied with YPD’s policies and procedures. This investigation is distinct from the inquiry into the shooting itself, which is being conducted by the YVSIU.
