Investigation into trooper shooting is complete
By Terry Murry on Friday, July 21st, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The probe conducted by the Special Investigations Unit into last year’s shooting of Washington State Patrol Trooper Dean Atkinson Jr. has been completed. SIU Commander Randy Maynard of the Kennewick Police Department says the final report will be delivered to Walla Walla County Prosecuting Attorney Gabe Acosta on Monday.
At 5:07 p.m. on Sept. 22, 2022, Atkinson was allegedly ambushed by Brandon O’Neel of Walla Walla and shot multiple times near the Gesa Credit Union on the 1300 block of West Poplar Street in Walla Walla. O’Neel fled the area and was taken into custody on State Route 125 between Farmland Road and Old Milton Highway.
After sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, Atkinson drove himself to Providence St. Mary Medical Center. He was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. While there, Atkinson underwent several surgeries before returning home in October.
Following the shooting, the investigation revealed Atkinson was shot shortly after O’Neel returned to his apartment to find he was unable to make entry. Earlier that day, O’Neel had been served an eviction notice at his apartment on the 1500 block of West Rose Street. While the notice was being served law enforcement said a sign reading “Bomb” was located inside the residence. The area was cleared until the Washington State Patrol Bomb Squad responded and cleared the residence. No bomb was found and O’Neel was not at home at the time.
On May 18, O’Neel was admitted to Eastern State Hospital to undergo competency restoration treatment after he was deemed incompetent to stand trial. He faces five felony charges which include first-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, attempting to elude a pursuing vehicle, threats to bomb or injure property, and harassment.
