WWPD arrests suspect for muffler shop vandalism

By on Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA โ€“ The Walla Walla Police Department arrested Lazaro J. Cortez Rivera, 27, of Walla Walla Sunday afternoon on charges of first-degree burglary, second-degree assault, and second-degree malicious mischief at Melody Muffler, located on the 400 block of South Ninth Avenue.

Officers were called to the business at 3:54 p.m. for a report of a man throwing bricks through the windows at that location. When officers arrived, the suspect was no longer on scene.

A short time later, after the officers had left, Cortez Rivera returned to the location and confronted the business owner.

โ€œCortez Rivera went after the owner with a large object he grabbed from inside the business,โ€ Public Information Officer Sgt. Nick Loudermilk said. Officers were called back to the location and took Cortez Rivera into custody. No one was injured.