On November 27, 2017 at approximately 11:44 pm, Yakima Police officers responded to a report of an armed robbery that had just occurred at the convenience store located at 1003 W. Nob Hill Blvd, in the city of Yakima. Arriving officers discovered that a male subject had entered the store, displayed a handgun, and demanded money. The clerk complied with the order and the suspect fled in what was described as a Jeep Cherokee.

Minutes after the original call, an officer spotted a vehicle matching that description in an alley, near the store. When the officer turned to investigate, the vehicle fled at a high rate requiring officers to engage in a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit continued for several minutes, and at one point continued on to US 12. The suspect was single occupant and began firing a gun toward the pursing officers.

The pursuit continued into the Tieton area where the disabled Jeep Cherokee came to a stop in the area of Beffa and Naches-Tieton Roads. The armed suspect exited his vehicle and confronted two Yakima Police officers who subsequently discharged their firearms, striking the suspect. Medical aid was summoned to the scene, but the 25 year old suspect was pronounced dead. No officers were injured in the incident.

The Yakima County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation of the officer involved shooting and the Yakima Police Department is conducting an investigation of the robbery.  Two Yakima Police officers have been placed on procedural paid administrative leave, pending the findings of the investigation. The name of the suspect is being withheld until a positive identification and notification of next-of-kin can be completed.