Contact: YPD Sgt. Sgt. Joe Salinas – 575-6212
On Friday, January 11th shortly after 8:00 pm, Yakima Police received a report of a purse theft that had just occurred. The victim alleged she was confronted by a man wielding a handgun. The suspect demanded the victim’s purse. She complied with the victim and the suspect fled on foot to a waiting vehicle. The victim was uninjured during the robbery. The victim immediately called a friend who was nearby. The friend and the victim were then able to follow the suspect vehicle in their own vehicle until police could arrive in the area.
When a Yakima Police officer arrived in the area, he chased the suspect vehicle to the 2800 block of West Washington where the driver parked the vehicle and the suspect fled on foot. Several officers arrived in the area to assist, including officers from the Union Gap Police Department and the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office. A Yakima Police K-9 was deployed and was actively tracking the suspect in the direction of his flight. During the track, a witness reported seeing a suspicious male running in the area of South 36th Avenue and West Mead. Union Gap Police and a Yakima County Sheriff’s Deputy who were in the area to assist managed to place that suspect in custody. A firearm was also recovered from this suspect.
The suspect vehicle driver and the vehicle passenger who fled were interviewed. Following those interviews, both were later booked into the Yakima County Jail on Robbery 1 and Assault 1 charges as well as other felony charges. The victim’s property was also recovered from the scene.
This investigation is ongoing. Any additional questions regarding this incident may be referred to YPD’s detective division at (509) 575-6212.