Desert air — A shooting just after 8 p.m. in Desert Aire Park resulted in two gunshot wounds to two juveniles, one of whom suffered a minor leg injury and another who was flown by helicopter to a nearby trauma center with life-threatening injuries, Grant County Sheriff's Office spokesman Kyle Foreman said in an interview Tuesday morning.
“There are no suspects in custody. (Detectives) are investigating,” Foreman said. “All of those involved are minors, and detectives have consulted with the district attorney on next steps.”
Foreman said the incident is believed to be gang-related. The two victims drove to a residence in the 200 block of Thunderbird Way, where they were evaluated by emergency medical services. The teenager with the leg injury refused treatment, but the critically injured man was flown to a regional trauma center.
At the time of going to press, there was no news on the condition of the seriously injured teenager.
Foreman said all GCSO employees and other emergency responders were safe and unharmed. Royal City and Mattawa police departments also responded to the incident, with additional assistance from Grant County Fire District 8, Foreman said. Communications were coordinated by MACC 911.
Wahluke School District Superintendent Andy Harlow said school operations will continue as planned. Although some of the affected youth are believed to be students in the district's alternative school program, the district will take precautions to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Tuesday was an open house for the district, with students following a conference schedule and an open house for parents and loved ones in the evening. Harlow said an announcement was sent out to teachers and staff to reassure them that safety was the top priority.
“Our first and foremost concern is the safety of students and staff. We have spoken with investigators and determined that we will proceed with first day of school activities. Our open house and community prayer plans will also continue as planned. These plans include additional police presence, local first responders, and more school crossing guards to be on campus during the first week of the school year. Additionally, additional school district staff will be on campus before and after school this week,” the statement said.
Harlow said a student resource officer and the district's safety coordinator will also be on campus to provide security.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the GCSO at 509-762-1160.
