Trial set for suspect in 2022 WSP trooper shooting in Walla Walla

By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – The trial for Brandon Dennis O’Neel, 40, of Walla Walla who is suspected of shooting Washington State Patrol Trooper Dean Atkinson Jr., is scheduled to start on Sept. 8, nearly three years after the alleged incident took place on Sept. 22, 2022, and faced multiple delays.

After being evicted from his apartment on Sept. 22, 2022, O’Neel allegedly shot Atkinson near the Gesa Credit Union on the 1300 block of West Poplar Street and fled the area. O’Neel was taken into custody on State Route 125 south of Old Milton Highway. After being shot, Atkinson drove to Providence St. Mary Medical Center and was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center where he underwent several surgeries before returning home on Oct. 2, 2022.

O’Neel, who remains in custody, is charged with first-degree attempted premeditated murder, first-degree assault with a deadly weapon, attempting to elude police, threatening to bomb with intent to alarm, and harassment with threats to kill.

Status hearings have been sent for Aug. 18 and Sept. 3.

File photo of shooting scene via Walla Walla Police Department