Circle K shooting suspect turns himself in
By Dan Thesman on Monday, April 17th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla Police Department reports Yahir Melgoza-Ochoa, 19, of Walla Walla turned himself Friday for the shooting of a 20-year-old male at the Circle K, 315 North Second Avenue, on April 8.
Melgoza-Ochoa was booked into the Walla Walla County Jail on charges of second-degree attempted murder, drive-by shooting, minor in possession of a pistol, and carrying a concealed pistol without a permit.
On April 8, just after 1:30 a.m., WWPD received a call from someone at Circle K that someone had just been shot and that the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle. When officers arrived, they found the victim had sustained a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to Providence St. Mary Medical Center.
An investigation revealed both the victim and suspect arrived at the convenience store at about the same time in separate vehicles. A verbal altercation ensued between multiple parties, followed by a physical altercation between the victim and suspect. The suspect presented a handgun and fired multiple shots at the victim, striking him at least once. Detectives believe the suspect and victim both knew each other.
The investigation is still active and ongoing.
