A 16-year-old Wapato boy was critically wounded Feb. 21, when a stray bullet from a gang-related gunfight passed through the window of his home and struck him in the upper body.
According to a Yakima County Sheriff’s Office report, the incident occurred at about 9:50 p.m. in the 100 block of Horschel Road, near its intersection with Hoffer Road.
Witnesses told officers two groups of young men engaged in verbal threats before the gunfire began. The report said “several rounds” were fired by members of the two groups.
All the suspects were on foot and fled the scene when officers from the Wapato Police Department, Washington State Patrol, Yakama Nation Police Department, and sheriff’s deputies arrived.
Several young men were detained for questioning at the scene, the report said.
The victim was transported to Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital. Other members of his family were also in the home at the time of the shooting, but none of them was injured.
The report said it was unknown if any gang members were injured.
The investigation continues into the identities of the shooters, their associates, and possible gang ties.
Numerous area citizens reported the incident to police.