Suspects released after questioning in Ephrata shooting investigation

EPHRATA — Investigators are continuing to examine whether a shooting Thursday evening in Ephrata may have connections to gang activity after six suspects, including five juveniles, were identified and questioned following the incident. 

Police identified six male suspects, including Efrain Silva-Millan, 19, of Quincy, along with a 13-year-old, 15-year-old, 16-year-old and 17-year-old from Quincy and a 14-year-old from Mattawa. The juveniles were not identified because of their age. According to the city, the suspects were detained, interviewed and later released pending further investigation. 

Ephrata police responded to a shooting at around 6 p.m. Thursday in the 1100 block of Second Avenue Northeast, according to a city press release. Officials said one round was fired during an altercation involving occupants of two vehicles and residents of an apartment complex. No one was injured, and no property appears to have been struck by the gunfire, the press release said.  

The occupants of the vehicles drove through the apartment complex, the press release said, wearing masks and allegedly antagonizing residents. Residents from at least one apartment came outside, also wearing masks, and confronted the group. During the confrontation, an occupant of one of the vehicles fired a shot before both vehicles fled the area, it said.  

One of the vehicles, a red Subaru sedan, later crashed and became inoperable. Its occupants reportedly entered a second vehicle, a 2021 Jeep Compass and left the area. 

The investigation remains active, and authorities have not announced formal charges. 

When asked whether investigators believe the incident was gang-related, Rob Miller, Ephrata city clerk and public information officer, said the possibility has not been ruled out. 

"It is possible. We don't know for certain as yet; we are still investigating," Miller said. 

Investigators recovered both vehicles and executed search warrants Friday morning. The press release said officers found a pistol and drum magazine in the Jeep, while an ammunition magazine containing rounds, two unspent rounds and a shell casing were recovered from the Subaru. Video footage from a local convenience store reportedly placed the suspects in Ephrata shortly before the shooting. 

Officials credited cooperation among law enforcement agencies for helping identify suspects within hours of the incident. 

"Our law enforcement officers and regional partners worked throughout the night to identify those involved in the shooting and collect evidence associated with the incident," Miller said in the press release.  

The investigation involved the Ephrata Police Department, Quincy Police Department, Grant County Sheriff's Office and Multi-Agency Communication Center. 

"It is absolutely vital for us to have those partnerships in place," Miller said. "When we look at crime throughout Grant County and Central Washington in general, the fact that we have the level of cooperation that we do is important." 

Miller said collaboration among agencies helps improve public safety and increases the likelihood of preventing future incidents. 

"Having professional officers who are willing to reach across departmental lines and just help each other out really is what keeps the whole county safer and a place for people to live safely," he said. 

City Administrator Ray Towry also praised the coordinated response. 

"The quick responses by our law enforcement teams, Ephrata's and our neighboring agencies, is a testament to the collaborative culture in those agencies," Towry said in a statement. "For multiple agencies to work together and do this much work so quickly is just a tremendous accomplishment on their part." 

The involvement of several teenagers has also raised concerns among city officials. 

"Of course it's disturbing when you see that young people are involved in these sorts of activities or situations," Miller said. 

He encouraged parents and community members to remain engaged in young people's lives and support positive activities. 

"The main thing is if we can all just, as a community of parents and family members, come together to support the kids and ensure that they have productive things to do with their time," Miller said. "Help them find something to be passionate about." 

Miller said only one of the suspects was from Ephrata, suggesting the issue extends beyond any single community. 

"It's a regional problem, and we need a regional solution," he said. 

Authorities said there is no ongoing danger to the public. However, an Ephrata resident's vehicle was likely totaled in a collision involving the Subaru connected to the incident. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact MACC Dispatch at 509-762-1160.