Written by MLWA 7 Staff
Jose Rivera pleads guilty to attempted murder in 2014 at the age of 16. (Photo: iFIBER ONE News)
MOSES LAKE — The man who allegedly opened fire on a MLPD K9 Friday night and was shot by the K9’s partner has been identified.
Jose L. Rivera, 22, of Moses Lake was ultimately shot after allegedly opening fire on a Moses Lake police K9 dog during a pursuit Friday night.
An autopsy is scheduled for Monday for Rivera, the Grant County Coroner’s Office told iFIBER ONE News Monday morning.
Rivera was reportedly wanted in connection to several burglaries in the area.
Moses Lake police Street Crime detectives and patrol officers began searching for Rivera at around 10:43 p.m., according to iFIBER ONE News. Officers reportedly found Rivera’s vehicle was located on Airway Drive and police attempted to initiate a traffic stop, Moses Lake Police Chief Kevin Fuhr told iFIBER ONE News.
Rivera reportedly fled, leading authorities on a pursuit for several miles along Valley Road, Grape Drive, Oregon Street and then returned to Valley Road, which lead to authorities successfully deploying spike strips during the pursuit, according to iFIBER ONE News.
Rivera came to a stop on Denton Road in the Cascade Valley area. Rivera allegedly attempted to flee but was chased by a police officer and his K9 partner.
“Chief Fuhr said during the chase, the suspect pulled out a handgun and opened fire, striking the K9. The officer returned fire, killing the suspect,” iFIBER ONE News stated.
The police K9 was immediately transported to Pioneer Veterinary in Moses Lake for treatment and was flown to Washington State University’s Veterinary Unit.
Veterinary staff were able to remove the K9’s breathing tube on Saturday. Moses Lake police said the dog was able to walk unassisted for a short period of time on Sunday. A CT scan is scheduled for Monday afternoon, which will determine what care the K9 needs and will receive.
“We appreciate your ongoing support. There have been many people reaching out with offers of help and donations. Quite frankly, at this point we have been busy with everything else, and haven't figured out what our needs are going to be. The K9 is covered by medical insurance, so we will be figuring up what that covers in the coming days. As soon as we have a handle on what our needs will be, we will let you know, hopefully soon. The support of the community has been overwhelming, and we certainly appreciate it,” Moses Lake police stared.
The Columbia Basin Investigative Team is conducting an investigation into the shooting.
The identity of the K9 and K9’s partner has not been released publicly.