The weekend was busy for HPD

By Terry Murry on Monday, May 8th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

HERMISTON – Hermiston police officers were busy this past weekend, dealing with everything from a fatal crash to shots-fired incidents. An 82-year-old woman was killed when her truck rolled over her in an alley off Hurlburt Avenue.

Officers reported the woman apparently started the vehicle and then got out to get a dog. She was pronounced deceased at the scene Saturday afternoon.

Police Chief Jason Edmiston said there were three separate incidents of shots being fired in Hermiston. One was at 2 a.m. Saturday on the southwest part of town. The second came an hour later on the northwest side of town. The third report, also on the northwest part of town occurred Saturday at 11 p.m. In all cases there was property damage done, but no one was injured.

Edmiston discussed crime statistics last night at the city’s Public Safety Committee. He said that last weekend is running true to form. The city is experiencing a four percent increase in calls for service. A 20 percent increase in arrests, and a 14 percent increase in total crimes.

“This is taking place despite being down two positions, soon the be three, with a supervisor recently making the choice to get out of law enforcement after nearly 22 years of service,” he stated.