Ephrata officials: Little info to be released about Thursday shooting until investigation complete

EPHRATA - Hoping to protect the integrity of their investigation, officials will be releasing few details about Thursday night’s shooting in Ephrata until after the investigation is complete.

Ephrata police responded to several reports of shots being fired at 6:27 p.m. Thursday evening. Ephrata City Administrator Wes Crago said the reports came from the Short Stop gas station, located in the 1100 block of Basin Street Southwest, and the Tienda Mexicana Veracruz restaurant, located in the 1200 block of Basin Street Southwest. Police arrived at 6:29 p.m., secured the scene and immediately began administering aid to the male victim, who received a single gunshot wound. The victim was transported to Columbia Basin Hospital in Ephrata for treatment and was reported to be in stable condition.

Deputies with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and Soap lake officers responded to the scene as well and Basin Street/state Route 28 was shut down from 11th Avenue Southwest to the SR-282 intersection. The closure remained in effect until 3 a.m. Friday morning.

“I am very proud of our community’s police officers. Their response was fast and professional, working all through the night. Several staff members also volunteered their time to support the investigation. We just have to be patient now, and let our officers work the case,” Ephrata Mayor Bruce Reim said.

Crago said police are interviewing witnesses and gathering additional evidence, but details about the incident itself are not expected to be released until after the investigation is finished.

“This is in accordance with law; and is done to protect the integrity of the investigation, and the people involved. It is also the process by which we can most quickly bring the responsible party to trial and justice,” Crago explained.

If you have information about the incident contact either the Ephrata Police Department at 509-754-2491, MACC Dispatch at 509-762-1160 or email Ephrata’s confidential tip line at crimetips@ephrata.org.

Crago said there will no additional details released about the shooting until 10 a.m. Sept. 13.

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