Ephrata police continue shooting investigation

EPHRATA — Ephrata Police continue to investigate a shooting last week on Basin Week that left a man injured.

“Officers are continuing to interview witnesses and gather evidence,” said City Administrator Wes Crago in a news release.

“With such a large crime scene, many additional resources are being used to fully gather, evaluate, and inventory evidence. Consequently, it is likely that the investigation will take some weeks longer,” Crago said.

On Thursday, Sept. 7, Ephrata police responded to several reports of shots being fired at 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, at the intersection of Basin Street and State Highway 282.

One man, whose name has not been released, was wounded in the incident and was transported to Columbia Basin Hospital in Ephrata for treatment.

Crago said that the city will not release any more information on the incident until the circumstances or the case change or an arrest is made.

“In general, it is the policy of the Ephrata Police Department not to release particulars of a case if there is any chance that it could interfere with the investigation, influence a witness, or endanger citizens. Once a final report is written and delivered to the Grant County Prosecutor, details will then be made available to the press and public,” Crago said.

Crago added that city officials understand that people want “the whole story.” However, Crago said that experience has shown “that the fastest and surest method to bring those responsible to trial and justice, is to stay largely silent during an investigation.”

Charles H. Featherstone can be reached via email at countygvt@columbiabasinherald.com.