Suspect arrested in Walla Walla shooting; victim remains in critical condition
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include the suspect's first court appearance.
A 21-year-old Milton-Freewater man was arrested after allegedly shooting a man early Monday morning, May 25, in the 1500 block of West Rose Street in Walla Walla, according to a Walla Walla Police Department news release.
The 30-year-old victim was taken to Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla before being transferred to another hospital. According to police, he is in "critical but stable" condition.
The suspect made his first appearance in Walla Walla County Superior Court on Tuesday, May 26 and was assigned defense attorney Ashely Kulberg to defend him.
According to the release, the shooting occurred about 12:15 a.m.
Officers arrived to find the victim with a gunshot wound. The suspect left the scene.
According to the release, police think an altercation occurred between the suspect and the victim in the parking lot of a business that had closed for the day. Several people were present.
Police, citing video evidence and witness statements, said the altercation started verbally, turned physical and ended with someone firing one gunshot.
The suspect lives in Milton-Freewater. According to the release, WWPD officers worked with police in Oregon to obtain and execute a search warrant of the suspect's home, which, according to the release, turned up a firearm and spent shell casings that police believe were used in the crime.
The man was arrested on suspicion of first-degree assault with a firearm. As of Tuesday morning, May 26, he had not been formally charged by the Walla Walla County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. The Union-Bulletin does not usually name suspects until formal charges have been filed.
The suspect is being held at the Walla Walla County Jail. Superior Cout Judge Brandon L. Johnson set his initial bail at $50,000 with a 10% cash equivalent.
A second suspect, a 20-year-old Milton-Freewater woman, also was arrested under investigation of rendering criminal assistance.
She also made her first appearance in court Tuesday and was released on her own recognizance.
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