Deputy's wife injured in accidental shooting

MOSES LAKE — An off-duty deputy with the Grant County Sheriff's Office was reportedly handling a gun Wednesday night at his Moses Lake residence when it accidentally discharged and his wife was struck by a bullet.

Moses Lake police responded to the shooting inside of the residence of deputy Jose A. Rivera, 28, in the 1100 block of Lakeside Drive about 7:50 p.m. Rivera, who was off-duty at the time, said he accidentally shot his wife, 25-year-old Sydney Rivera. She was transported to Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake for treatment of a single gunshot wound, but was later transported to a different hospital.

“She was conscious when transported, and officers were able to speak with her at the hospital. Sydney confirmed the incident was not domestic violence related. Sydney is currently listed in stable condition,” stated the MLPD in a release.

The Columbia Basin Investigative Team, which is comprised of detectives from agencies in Grant and Adams counties and investigates office-involved shootings, was activated because of Jose Rivera’s status as a deputy. Initial information indicates Jose Rivera was handling a gun when it discharged and his wife was shot.

Jose and Sydney Rivera and their 4-month-old child were the only people present in the home at the time of the incident. Firearms and one spent shell casing were found inside the residence. Jose Rivera has been employed with the GCSO since January 2016 as a patrol deputy, after having been previously employed as an officer with the Royal City Police Department for three years. He is a member of the U.S. Marshal’s Violent Offender Task Force and the Moses Lake Regional Tactical Response Team.

Police do not believe alcohol and/or drugs played a role in the shooting. Information was not released about the gun from the incident.

“We ask everyone to, please, join us in praying for the family and loved ones,” Sheriff Tom Jones stated.

The shooting prompted the postponement of last night’s annual Battle of the Badges softball game between the MLPD and GCSO, which raises money for the Boys and Girls Club of the Columbia Basin.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.