Nine juveniles detained in East Wenatchee SWAT operation after report of gunshots

EAST WENATCHEE — According to a press release from East Wenatchee Police Chief Rick Johnson, a large disturbance on Friday night summoned first the East Wenatchee Police patrol and subsequently East Cascade SWAT after a caller reported a fight and a large group of juvenile males running from the scene after gunshots were heard.

On May 16 at about 7:44 p.m., patrol units responded to the intersection of 3rd Street NE and North Georgia Avenue after the reporting caller described the juveniles as fleeing north on foot along Georgia Avenue after the shots were heard.

Officers found multiple expended shell casings in the road at the scene when they arrived. Outward-facing surveillance footage obtained from a nearby residence showed nine male individuals running toward the nearby apartment complex at the intersection.

East Wenatchee Police investigators promptly obtained a search warrant for the apartment unit that eyewitnesses said the suspects went into. Because the investigation involved guns, East Cascade SWAT was summoned to the scene as well in order to mitigate risk, secure the scene and ensure the safety of complex residents and their fellow officers.

All nine male juveniles were detained from the apartment, arrested, and transported to the Chelan County Regional Justice Center and Chelan County Juvenile Detention on charges stemming from the incident.

Upon searching the apartment, investigators recovered three firearms and additional evidence related to the incident. The investigation continues, and anyone with any information about the incident is encouraged to call the East Wenatchee Police Department at 509-884-9511.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media