Officer named in fatal shooting of Moses Lake man

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake police have released the name of the officer who fatally shot a 54-year-old Moses Lake man Monday following a disturbance call.

James Eshelman was reportedly within three feet of Corporal Aaron Hintz with a large hunting knife when Hintz fired, striking Eshelman in the torso, according to Moses Lake police.

Hintz and Officers Paul Ouimette, Kevin Hake, Matt Davis and Kohl St. Peter responded to a call about 5:30 p.m. Monday in the 2000 block of South Belair Drive. Neighbors had called dispatch to report Eshelman had confronted a woman in the street and was throwing garbage cans before going back inside the home, according to reports.

When officers arrived, they went to the door of the residence as well as a window near the front of the house. Eshelman reportedly made contact with an officer at the window and displayed the large knife. Officers allegedly told Eshelman to drop the knife and come to the front door, according to reports.

Shortly after making contact, Eshelman flung open both the door and screen door, still in possession of the knife and allegedly in a fighting stance. He was again commanded to drop the knife but again refused, leading to Hintz shooting Eshelman. 

Officers provided CPR until the Moses Lake Fire Department arrived on scene. Eshelman was taken to Samaritan Hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

The Columbia Basin Investigative Team is still investigating the incident.

Hintz has been an officer with the Moses Lake Police Department for nine years and is a member of the Regional Tactical Response Team.

Capt. Dave Sands said more information could be released Monday.