Second man arrested in April 2 Kelso shooting

The man accused of shooting a Longview man in the face outside a Kelso home in April made his first court appearance Tuesday.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help

Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to The Daily News.

Alberto Vasquez Valencia, 25, of Longview, faces one count of first-degree assault with a deadly weapon, drive-by shooting and unlawful display of a weapon in the case that occurred across the street from Kelso Virtual Academy and the Children's Discovery Museum.

A warrant for his arrest has been in effect since around April 17, and Cowlitz County deputies arrested him on Monday.

Valencia's bail was set at $350,000 by Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge Patricia Fassett on Tuesday, who also issued a no-contact order. He had to surrender his passport, and attorney Ian Maher, director of the Cowlitz County Office of Public Defense, was appointed to represent him.

At about 10 p.m., on April 2, Valencia shot a man in the 400 block of Long Avenue, while Carlos Armondo Rodriguez, Jr., 25, of Longview, was his getaway driver, according to police reports that led to their arrests.

The victim had previously talked to one of the suspect's 14-year-old cousins about bullying another kid in the neighborhood, the document shows.

Valencia's next hearing is scheduled for June 23.

Rodriguez has a hearing scheduled for June 29, and a potential trial date has been set for July 27.

Rodriguez is charged with first-degree felony rendering criminal assistance, fourth-degree assault, unlawful display of a weapon, obstructing a police officer, and resisting arrest.

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published June 16, 2026 at 6:20 PM.