New details released into officer-involved shooting investigation
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, August 30th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
KENNEWICK – The Special Investigation Unit released new details Monday into the Aug. 22 incident at the Circle K at the corner of West Deschutes Avenue and North Columbia Center Drive involving the use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer.
The incident began at 10:25 a.m. when the Kennewick Police Department responded to a call to check on a person slumped over the steering wheel of a vehicle at the convenience store’s gas pumps. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
SIU has determined that James West was contacted in the vehicle by KPD Officer Dylan Markley and Benton County Sheriff’s Deputy J.P. Benitez. During the contact, West was roused and asked to exit his vehicle. West then became argumentative with Markley and Benitez and, once he exited, he ran north from the convenience store.
Kennewick Police Sgt. Ken Melone and other officers began to chase West and Melone deployed his Taser. This attempt failed to affect West.
As the foot chase continued, officers became aware West was running with a gun in his hand. Officers then heard West discharge the gun. The chase led to the parking lot of the Village at Grandridge apartment complex. During this time, Benitez discharged his sidearm in the direction of West who was not injured, gave up and was taken into custody.
After being transported to a local hospital and medically cleared, West was transported to the Benton County Jail. The SIU is investigating at the request of Kennewick Police Chief Chris Guerrero.
