Police show their bravery during park shooting

Everyone knows law enforcement officers are supposed to be brave, but it's still inspiring to see that courage in action.

On Sunday, an estimated 300 people were enjoying their evening at Chiawana Park in Pasco when gunshots started.

Fortunately, the frightening incident didn't turn deadly, and those suspected of participating in the shootout were apprehended quickly -- thanks to police.

Police report it all started when a fight broke out among some suspected gang members and another man at the west end of the park.

Guns were drawn, and witnesses said one man started shooting at another man near a crowded playground. Bystanders started running and screaming. Parents grabbed their children and looked for cover.

But one police officer who was patrolling near the park when the shooting began didn't hide or wait for backup.

Police say he managed to catch five of the suspects as they piled into a vehicle in an attempt to drive away.

He easily could have waited for more officers to arrive before going into such a dangerous situation. No one at the scene would have blamed him. But instead he went after those he thought were involved in the shooting without hesitation.

Pasco police asked us not to publish the officer's name, partly because of concerns about reprisals from gang members and partly because he doesn't want special recognition for doing his job.

He may have a point. A willingness to protect and serve is the norm, not the exception.

Witnesses said when other officers from Pasco, Franklin County and Benton County arrived, they made a barrier between bystanders and the armed suspects.

Besides the five suspects in the car, another who was trying to run away was nabbed by an officer arriving from Road 96, according to police.

And one more suspect who had tried to blend in with the crowd also was apprehended, police said.

David Rea, pastor of the Tri-Cities Baptist Church, was in the park at the time and said it best: "All I know is I saw a bunch of officers put themselves between a crowd and a bunch of guys with guns, so I love them."

Everyone else in the Tri-Cities should be feeling just as grateful.

Can you just imagine how horrible the situation could have been? Kids and families enjoying a picnic at the park and then suddenly there are shots being fired. We're thankful no bystanders were injured or killed.

Since the shooting involved suspected gang members, there's no telling how far the gunplay might have escalated if police hadn't intervened.

One of the men in the gunfight was shot and taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, but his wounds were not life-threatening, according to police.

The seven suspects involved in the shooting have been arrested and each held on $100,000 bail for suspicion of second-degree assault and riot with a deadly weapon.

The police did an amazing job of bringing these suspects in while keeping everyone at the park safe.

We know law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day. We don't always see it in action.

When we do, we realize how fortunate we are to have them around. What happened at Chiawana Park was pretty scary.

Thanks to the police, that's all it was.

This story was originally published August 4, 2010 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Police show their bravery during park shooting ."