SIU investigating EWPD use-of-force after hospitalization
An East Wenatchee Police Department officer responding to a possible assault Saturday night got into a "physical altercation" with a man after they did not comply with the officer's commands.
The police department responded to a call 8:35 p.m. on Saturday from residents in the 500 block of Eastmont Avenue, according to a news release from the North Central Washington Special Investigation Unit.
"When the first East Wenatchee Police Department officer arrived on scene, he was met by several individuals in the driveway of the residence," according to the news release.
The altercation involved a "man involved in the disturbance." The officer called for backup and "numerous officers from EWPD and deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office" responded to the call, according to the news release.
Officers used "physical force and tasers" in the altercation, and the individual in the altercation was taken into custody. The "subject experienced a medical emergency" during the altercation and was transported to Central Washington Hospital, according to the news release.
The initial responding officer and two other officers were transported to the hospital - one for a medical emergency and the other two for minor injuries - and were later released, according to the news release.
The state Office of Independent Investigations, a citizen-led state board that investigates police use of deadly force, was notified, but did not respond, according to the news release.
The identity of the subject involved in the altercation and the three officers were not released. The three East Wenatchee officers have been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.
East Wenatchee Police Department Chief Rick Johnson said in an email that the department would be making the necessary adjustments - like overtime shifts and putting detectives and school resource officers on patrol shifts - to ensure that the community sees a minimal impact on overall services.
He also said he does not expect there to be any increased response times for any emergency calls for service.
The NCWSIU is an investigative team made up of law enforcement members from the Wenatchee Police Department, Chelan County Sheriff's Office, Douglas County Sheriff's Office and the East Wenatchee Police Department.
These special investigation units are mobilized in the event of an officer-involved shooting to review the use of force by law enforcement as required by state law.
The investigation team will conduct an independent investigation using detectives from the Wenatchee Police Department, Chelan County Sheriff's Office and the Washington State Patrol.
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This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 8:38 PM.