EPHRATA — Detectives investigating a fatal shooting by a Royal City police officer say the officer was trying to arrest a man when the man grabbed a shovel and chased the officer.
Columbia Basin Investigative Team officers said Wednesday that Officer Rey Rodriguez retreated at least 150 feet while ordering 45-year-old Pedro Salgado Ceja to drop the shovel. Witnesses say Ceja failed to obey and continued to close the distance between him and the officer. Detectives say Rodriguez finally fired six rounds, hitting Ceja in the torso.
The Royal City man was dead at the scene Monday evening.
The officer had responded to a call about a possible domestic violence assault at a mobile home park. He was trying to arrest Ceja for investigation of second-degree assault and unlawful imprisonment when the man grabbed the shovel.
Rodriguez has been placed on paid administrative leave while the shooting is investigated.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
