Grant County Sheriff Deputies burned in acid attacks

SOAP LAKE - Two Grant County Sheriff's deputies received burns from a muriatic acid attack by a domestic violence suspect in the evening on Aug. 4.

The attack occurred during a call to 363 County Road 18.2 NE at around 6:40 p.m. A Soap Lake police officer arrived first. He found that the suspect, Todd Wedge, 38, was barricaded in a shed.

The shed was approached after an Ephrata police officer and two sheriff's deputies arrived. Wedge started to ingest liquid substances in the shed.

Deputies used pepper spray to incapacitate Wedge, but he was able to grab the jug of muriatic acid and splash it on the officers. He was eventually subdued and handcuffed.

"This incident highlights some of the hazards our law enforcement officers face every day," Sheriff Tom Jones said.

According to the sheriff's office, Deputies Greg Hutchinson and Gary Mansford suffered acid burns to their faces and other parts of their bodies. They were treated at Samaritan Hospital and released.

Hutchinson might have suffered right eye burns except for the fact he was wearing eyeglasses.

Wedge was taken to Columbia Basin Hospital for treatment and was later booked into the Grant County Jail.

- Staff report