PROSSER -- A cougar is suspected of attacking and killing pigs in Prosser.

Two pigs found dead Thursday in a fenced area at 11801 N. Hinzerling Road had large claw marks on their stomachs and backs and puncture holes on their necks, said Benton County sheriff's Deputy Joe Lusignan.

An officer from the Washington State Department of Fish and Game verified that the wounds were not from dogs, he said.

A cougar attack, however, could not be confirmed because there were no cougar tracks seen on the cold, firm ground, Lusignan said.

The manager of Mid Valley Milling, who found the dead pigs, called the sheriff's office Oct. 17 after finding five of his 12 pigs dead inside the same fenced enclosure.

He suspected at the time that the pigs had been killed by a stray dog, Lusignan said. The following day, however, his butcher noted the wounds didn't appear to reflect what would be caused by a dog and said he suspected a cougar was involved.

Warrant issued for Pasco man

PASCO -- A $500,000 arrest warrant has been issued for a Pasco man wanted in connection with a Kennewick shooting that left three people hurt.

Victor A. Paniagua, 20, has been on the run since Sunday, when he allegedly fired several shots at a Kennewick party that he tried to crash.

"We believe he may be attempting to try to leave the country," said Mike Blatman, Kennewick police spokesman.

Paniagua is wanted for three counts of first-degree assault, but is now also charged with unlawful possession of a gun.

A nationwide extradition warrant was issued for his arrest for the gun charge, Blatman said.

Witnesses said Paniagua showed up uninvited at a party just after 1 a.m. Sunday at 52 N. Edison St. and got mad after he was told to leave, police said.

He then reportedly took out a small-caliber handgun and started firing.

Responding officers stopped a car that was leaving the area and found two men inside with gunshot wounds. They were taken to Kennewick General Hospital for treatment.

About 10 hours later, a third victim was identified when he sought treatment at Lourdes Medical Center in Pasco.

The victims' wounds were not life-threatening, police said.

Paniagua is 5-foot-4, 160 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He is said to be armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information about Paniagua's whereabouts can call 586-8477 or visit www.tricitiescrimestoppers. org. Tips also can be sent by text message by writing "Text TIP 411" plus the message to CRIMES (274637).

Tri-Cities Crime Stoppers pays a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information that results in a felony arrest. All calls are confidential.

Kennewick officer stuns violent dog with Taser

KENNEWICK -- A Kennewick police officer's run-in with a reported dangerous dog ended when he shocked it with a Taser gun and it scampered away.

The officer was called Thursday to the 200 block of East Third Avenue after a woman reported a dangerous dog was preventing her from getting into her car, police said.

A medium-sized brown and white dog charged at the officer, but after a short standoff and stare down the dog retreated to a nearby home, police said.

The officer made sure the woman who called police was able to safely get into her car and leave, then attempted to contact the dog's owner.

As the officer walked to the dog's home, the dog jumped from the bushes and again charged at the officer. He shocked the dog with his Taser and the dog ran off.

Animal control officers have received previous reports about the dog and have been trying to identify the owner to address the problem, police said.

Animal control officers were called again Thursday, but couldn't find the dog.