Police seek answers in drive-by shootings

MOSES LAKE - Investigators are still looking for answers into who shot and injured a 16-year-old boy Monday night in a neighborhood near Moses Lake.

Although no suspects have been publicly named at this time, the sheriff's office is following up on several leads and information from witnesses to help find the people involved.

To this point, police know the victim was riding his bike in the 1200 block of Arlington Road in the Larsen Housing area when a white vehicle, possibly a Kia Spectra or Sephia, according to witnesses, drove by the boy, then circling back around when a male passenger opened the car window and began shooting. The boy attempted to flee, riding his bike between two houses and into a backyard. The shooter then exited the vehicle and began chasing the boy, firing several more shots. Witnesses reported hearing at least five gunshots during the incident, according to police reports.

The shooter eventually returned to the vehicle and reportedly escaped down Patton Boulevard. Police have yet to be able to find the vehicle. The boy was able to run to a nearby home to get help, where a resident let him in and attempted to stop the bleeding.

The boy was initially transported by ambulance but was later taken to a Spokane hospital for further treatment from gunshot wounds to his right shoulder and arm, according to the sheriff's office. His bike was recovered at the scene Monday night.

Police believe the shooting was a targeted attack. It is unclear if it was gang-related.

It is also unknown if there is a connection between Monday's shooting and Saturday's drive-by shooting in the same block of Arlington Drive. Nobody was injured Saturday after several shots were fired from what witnesses say were coming from a dark colored 1997-2002 Pontiac Grand Am with at least two men inside, according to the sheriff's office. Two vehicles were damaged in Saturday's shooting.

Anyone with information on the shootings are asked to contact the sheriff's office at 509-762-1160 or send tips to crimetips@co.grant.wa.us. Tipsters can remain anonymous.