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Thursday, Jul. 09, 2009

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Prosser residents help defuse gang-related fight

By Paula Horton, Herald staff writer

Alert citizens and quick action by police helped avert a potentially dangerous gang-related fight in Prosser, police said.

Two Prosser men with gang ties -- one found with a gun -- were arrested, police said.

Prosser police were called early Tuesday evening after getting a report about large disturbance near E.J. Miller Park. Witnesses said about 10 to 15 people appeared to be getting ready to fight and were gathering on the street by Keene Riverview Elementary, police said.

Officers from Grandview police, the Benton County Sheriff's Office and Washington State Patrol also responded and were able to defuse the situation without any injuries.

Noe Martinez, 24, was arrested on suspicion of unlawfully possessing a firearm and obstructing a law enforcement officer. Alex Zepeda, 18, was arrested on suspicion of possessing marijuana and outstanding warrants.

Several of the people gathered for the potential fight are known by local law enforcement agencies for their affiliations with gangs in the area, police said. Prosser police officials credit residents for quickly reporting the incident and say community members need to remain vigilant to eliminate the influences of gangs.



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