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PRESS RELEASE - 01/07/2025 HOMICIDE WITH ARRESTS

01/08/2025 8:50 AM UPDATE

At 3:23 PM, our officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 1600 block of North Avenue. Upon arrival, they discovered a vehicle occupied by a female victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite the swift life-saving efforts of our officers and medical personnel, she tragically passed away from her injuries at Sunnyside Hospital.

In the hours that followed, our officers were stretched thin, responding to multiple critical incidents, including additional reports of shots fired and a burglary on Rouse Road. During the burglary investigation, one suspect was apprehended, and our detectives determined his involvement in the earlier homicide. A second suspect fled on foot but was apprehended later in night.

In response to these events, we are reinstating our Street Crimes Unit, which will focus on targeting and arresting gang members who bring harm to our community. We are determined to prioritize the safety of Sunnyside residents and send a clear message: we will not tolerate this kind of criminal behavior in our city.

We also need your help. Public cooperation is critical to our efforts to combat crime and protect our community. If you have any information related to these incidents, no matter how small, please contact Detective Noriega at 509-836-6200. Together, we can work to hold those responsible accountable and prevent further violence.

I want to extend our deepest condolences to the family of the young victim. I also want to thank the Washington State Patrol, Grandview Police Department, Yakima Police Department, Yakima Valley Crime Lab, and Yakima Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during these incidents. Their partnership and swift response were invaluable.

Keeping our citizens safe is our highest priority, and we remain committed to working tirelessly to ensure Sunnyside is a place where everyone feels secure.

Sunnyside Police Chief Rob Layman thanks the community for their help. Have a safe day.

Video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1LAGmyyUas/

01/07/2025 10:24 PM UPDATE 

The second male that was outstanding is now in custody.

 01/07/2025 - Homicide with Arrest

On 1/7/25 at 3:23PM Sunnyside Police responded to the report of shots fired in the 1600 block of North Ave. Officers arrived to find a black vehicle occupied by a female in the intersection of North Ave. and N. 16th St. There was a female in the car that suffered a gunshot wound. Officers immediately started life-saving measures. The female was transported to the Sunnyside Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries a short time later.

Officers were divided handling the shooting scene and two additional reports of shots fired in different areas of town simultaneously when we received a report of a burglary in the 400 block of Rouse Rd. The victims stated one male left running with what appeared to be a gun and a second male was being held by the homeowners awaiting Officer arrival.

Officers arrived and took custody of the male being held by the homeowners. Through their investigation Detectives determined that the male was related to the original Homicide call and was arrested for his involvement.

We called in two K-9 teams to look for the male that fled on foot. That male has not been located at this time. The K-9 teams transitioned to article search teams and worked to locate evidence related to the homicide.

We want to thank the Washington State Patrol, Grandview Police and a special thanks to the Yakima Police Department and Yakima Sheriff’s Office for supplying us with K-9 teams.

Calls handled during this time frame:

• 1600 block North Ave. Homicide at 3:23PM case #25S00186 (one arrest made)
• 800 block Upland Dr. Shots Fired at 5:23PM case #25S00191
• 400 block Rouse Rd. Burglary at 5:27PM case #25S00189 (one arrest made)
• 1600 block S. 15th St. Shots Fired at 6:13PM case #25S00190 (no evidence of shots fired located)

If anyone has information related to any of these cases please contact Detective Noriega at 509-836-6200.