Richland shooting linked to drugs, police suspect. Several arrested

A Friday morning shooting and the ensuing standoff brought two Richland neighborhoods to a tense standstill.

Police later arrested several people in what they believe is a drug-connected incident.

Emergency dispatchers started getting calls at 5:30 a.m. after residents heard several shots in the 1100 block of Sanford Avenue.

One neighbor told the Herald she heard what sounded like more than 10 shots.

Police officials said they believe one person was hurt but can’t be found. It’s unclear if the person was wounded by gunfire, officials added during a noon news conference.

Two homes and two cars were damaged by gunfire.

Officers followed some footprints in the snow and ended up surrounding a house on the 1200 block of Mahan Avenue.

Tri-City Regional SWAT team members from other agencies also helped.

Shortly before 10 a.m., officers went inside and brought out at least one person in handcuffs.

At the news conference, officials said they detained 10 to 15 people and later arrested several of them. Investigators believe the incident was connected to drugs.

Police were focusing on a home along the 1000 block of Sanford Avenue. Bullet holes dotted the house and a nearby Toyota Scion.

Officers closed Sanford and Mahan avenues between Swift Boulevard and Partridge Street for several hours as they investigated.

“We’ve had a lot of help from citizens who’ve given us information and also let us use their residences,” said Detective Sgt. Drew Florence. “We’re really grateful for the community support that we have.”

Anyone with information can call Richland Police at 509-628-0333.

This story was originally published February 15, 2019 at 8:20 AM.