New details are released in officer-involved shooting
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
KENNEWICK – New information has been released by the Special Investigation Unit involving the June 4 officer-involved shooting that occurred on the 1200 block of North Columbia Center Boulevard. The SIU is investigating the incident at the request of Benton County Sheriff Tom Croskrey.
The encounter began at 8:14 p.m. when the Richland Police Department started a pursuit of Jeffrey G. Reeder, 31, who was driving a stolen Audi. The pursuit led to a multi-agency chase in Richland and Kennewick.
During the pursuit, Reeder crashed on the lawn of the Bank of America at the intersection of Columbia Center Boulevard and Quinault Avenue. Reeder ran from the Audi to the area behind the Bank of America and down the embankment to the U.S. Bank parking lot to the north. There, Reeder attempted to take another vehicle by force with a handgun.
Benton County Deputy Elias Perez had arrived and witnessed Reeder attempting to rob the driver of another vehicle. The SIU said Perez discharged his patrol rifle toward Reeder, striking him with gunfire. Law enforcement are reported to have immediately begun life-saving measures on Reeder, who was then transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center. Reeder later succumbed to the injuries he sustained.
The investigation into the incident continues.
