Two federal agents injured in shootout during drug raid

By EMRY DINMAN

Staff Writer

MOSES LAKE - Two federal agents and a suspect were injured during a shootout near Moses Lake Tuesday during a region-wide drug raid coordinated by several regional and federal law enforcement agencies.

Early this morning, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Border Patrol led a large-scale drug raid targeting a methamphetamine and heroin drug trafficking organization in central and eastern Washington, according to a press release. The law enforcement action was a continuation of a December 2017 operation against drug traffickers in Grant County.

During this multi-jurisdiction federal enforcement operation, two ATF Special Agents were injured at a home on the 2400 block of Road E.5-Northeast in the Mae Valley community of Moses Lake, though their injuries are non-life threatening, according to law enforcement. They were initially provided medical attention on the scene and have since been transported for further evaluation and treatment. They are expected to be released from the hospital soon.

A suspect was also injured during the same operation in Mae Valley, after reportedly shooting himself as the special agents executed the search warrant, according to law enforcement. The suspect was transported to a Spokane hospital and his condition is unknown at this time. His identity is being withheld since he is a subject of the federal investigation, a press release states.

The shooting is being investigated by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit. Further details may be released as the investigation progresses.