Police seek Othello shooting suspect

OTHELLO - Police are still searching for an Othello man wanted for allegedly shooting another man walking down a street in Othello May 31.

The Othello Police Department issued a warrant for first-degree assault for the arrest of Dennis Riojas, 46, suspected of shooting a 29-year-old Othello resident, according to Chief Steve Dunnagan.

Riojas still has family in the Othello area and may possibly be in and out of town to visit, Dunnagan said.

The victim, Jesse Colley, was reportedly walking along 14th Avenue near Hemlock Street in the afternoon on May 31, when Riojas allegedly drove by in a van and shot Colley through the window, according to Dunnagan.

The suspected van was found abandoned in the early morning on June 2 in Pasco, according to previous reports.

Colley was airlifted by MedStar to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane as a result of the gunshot would.

Dunnagan said Colley has since been released from the hospital and is recovering.

Anyone who knows where Riojas is should contact the Othello Police Department at 509-488-3314. Riojas is most likely armed.