Trial set for one in group attack
By Terry Murry on Thursday, September 9th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – A trial date has been set for Oct. 26 for a Pendleton man arrested for his alleged involvement in a group attack in Walla Walla in early July. Carlos R. Johnson Jr., 21, entered a not guilty plea Tuesday in Walla Walla County Superior Court. He is charged with one count of robbery in the first degree – armed with a firearm, three counts of assault in the first degree – armed with a firearm, one count of burglary in the first degree – armed with a firearm and one count of criminal mischief. All are felonies.
Johnson allegedly joined a group of men and two juveniles led by Charles Thompkins Jr., 63, of Pendleton. Thompkins is charged with organizing the group, which included his three sons, on July 5 to arm themselves and beat up the people he claims stole a vehicle that belonged to him. According to court documents, the group traveled from Pendleton to a residence on Prospect Avenue where shots were fired during a confrontation and a fight broke out which resulted in three people being injured.
Thompkins was arrested Aug. 8 in Walla Walla and faces multiple charges. Both he and Johnson are being held in the Walla Walla County Jail. Thompkins is acting as his own attorney.
Prosecutors have filed multiple charges on six other males who allegedly were also involved in the attack.
