Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
Gang-related incidents occur in Othello
OTHELLO — A gang-related shooting spilled over into the classroom Thursday, Sept. 26, when Adams County deputies responded to threats made against McFarland Middle School students.
According to Sheriff Dale Wagner, deputies receive information about a “potential threat to McFarland Middle School and selected students, believed to stem from unresolved gang-related activity that occurred over the past weekend in the county between two rival gangs.”
The threat at the school was determined to be “not credible” following an investigation.
“Several juveniles were contacted, including the primary individual suspected of instigating the threat,” Wagner reported on social media. “After a thorough investigation, it was determined that the threat is not credible at this time.”
The school threat came just five days after two juveniles were shot in Othello.
On Sept. 21, the victims, ages 14 and 17, were dropped off at Othello Community Hospital, records show. One was shot in the calf, the other in his left hand and forearm.
“Neither gunshot was life threatening and both juveniles were released to a parent from the hospital,” Wagner reported.
Deputies have yet to publicly release the names of the juveniles, who were generally unwilling to cooperate with deputies.
However, the victims did tell deputies the shooting took place in the area of Taylor and Spur Roads, Wagner said.
The victims said a vehicle approached and the occupants flashed gang signs and yelled, the sheriff reported. Then the occupants fired about 10 shots at the two victims.
Deputies responded to the shooting location and collected evidence, the sheriff reported.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call investigators at 509-659-1122.
“We want to emphasize that safety is a shared responsibility,” Wagner said on social media. “It takes the combined efforts of law enforcement, school staff, students and the community to ensure our schools remain safe.
“If you see or hear anything suspicious or potentially dangerous, please don’t hesitate to speak up.”
Roger Harnack is owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. An award-winning journalist, photographer, editor and publisher who grew up in Eastern Washington, he's one of only two Washington state journalists ever to receive the international Golden Quill for editorial/commentary writing. Roger is committed to preserving local media, and along with it, a local voice for Eastern Washington.
Reader Comments(0)