Yakima Police Chief Matt Murray reported that at least three fatalities occurred as a result of a shooting that transpired overnight in Yakima, Washington.
The police department identified Jarid Haddock, a 21-year-old from Yakima County, as the presumed suspect in a homicide, as stated in a Facebook post.
A police spokesperson announced that the road closures in the local area on Tuesday morning were linked to the homicides that occurred during the early hours of the day. The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was deployed to the area, and authorities have also deployed drones to monitor the situation.
Yakima Chief of Police Matt Murray stated to CNN on Tuesday that the perpetrator drove up to the ARCO/ampm gas station and attempted to get into the building. However, the entrance was locked.
Murray shared, “He then walked across the street to the Circle K. As heβs walking into the store he pulls out his gun and there are two people getting food and he shoots them.β In his statement, Murray shared that both of the victims dies.
The suspect then walked out of the store and shot another person, who also died.
The suspect then left the store and discharged his weapon at another victim, killing them as well.
Murray reported that the suspect returned to the ARCO/ampm gas station on the opposite side of the street, fired into a vehicle, and then fled the scene.
The police have not yet revealed the owner of the car, though they presume it might be the perpetrator. His whereabouts are currently unknown.
Murray believes that the shooting occurred at random. He said, “There was no apparent conflict between the parties β the male just walked in and started shooting.β