WWPD was busy Thursday
By Terry Murry on Friday, December 15th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla Police Department had to deal with a wanted felon and a drunk driver ramming a police car, at the same time but separated by several blocks Thursday night.
Public Information Officer Sgt. Nick Loudermilk reported that two detectives from the career criminal apprehension team were tracking a suspect and asked for assistance from the SWAT team. Meanwhile, an allegedly drunk driver began ramming a police car after a driving under the influence of intoxicants stop occurred.
The wanted felon was tracked to the 1600 block of Evergreen Street. Frank Tamayo Sr., 38, of Walla Walla was located in an apartment and was the subject of a warrant for unlawful possession of a firearm. Loudermilk said that Tamayo is known to local law enforcement and has a dangerous history. That’s why the police decided to call the Walla Walla Regional SWAT Team.
While the call out was underway, a patrol officer was caused to the possible DUII in the area of K and Wilson streets. The caller reported a vehicle struck a power pole and drove away from the scene. The first arriving patrol officer located the vehicle, saw it strike a planter and then drive through a yard.
“As the driver was being contacted, he put his vehicle in drive and intentionally rammed the patrol car,” Loudermilk wrote. “The driver rammed the patrol car two additional times. The officers believed the community at large would been in grave danger if the driver got away. A Taser was deployed and the driver was taken into custody.”
Kenneth Moss, 71, of Walla Walla was identified as the driver. He was taken by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Moss was then booked into Walla Walla County Jail on suspicion of DUII, second-degree malicious mischief, hit and run, obstructing a law enforcement officer, and second-degree driving with a suspended license. Moss also had arrest warrants for DUII, reckless driving, and second-degree driving with a suspended license.
Meanwhile, back on Evergreen Street, the SWAT team arrived and was setting up a containment area. A crisis negotiator contacted Tamayo and convinced him to surrender. He was taken into custody without incident and no force was used. Tamayo was booked into the jail on his warrant. There were no injuries. The Walla Walla Regional SWAT Team is comprised of officers from the Walla Walla and College Place police departments, and the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office.
Photo via Walla Walla Police Department
