Edmiston details juvenile arrests
By Terry Murry on Friday, May 19th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
HERMISTON – Hermiston Police Chief Jason Edmiston says another arrest is anticipated in the assault that occurred Thursday in Hodge Park near the high school. So far, two males and two females aged 14 to 16 are lodged at the juvenile detention center in Walla Walla and five parents have been issued citations for failing to supervise a minor.
Officers on the scene reported that five teens assaulted an 18-year-old male after he refused to buy drugs from them. He said they severely beat the victim and it was all captured by surveillance cameras.
“His injuries right now are unknown, but I do know from a picture I saw of him on scene and statements our officers made about the swelling of his head taking place right before their eyes, it was pretty vicious,” Edmiston said.
The four in custody are being charged with third-degree assault.
“We anticipate an additional charge of riot, also a felony, due to the number of people involved,” Edmiston wrote in an email.
