Grant County Fairgrounds evacuated after shooting

LAKE MOSES – The fairgrounds area of ​​the Grant County Fairgrounds was closed and evacuated Friday night after a shooting occurred shortly after 9 p.m., according to Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff's Office.

“The police approached when the shots were fired because they were alerted to it. Shots were fired. The police ran to help the two victims of the shooting,” Foreman said.

Witnesses in the crowd identified the shooter, who attempted to flee, but members of the crowd “hockey-checked” the suspect against a fence, allowing police to quickly arrest him, Foreman said.

It is not clear at this time if the shooting is gang-related, but it is suspected at this time, Foreman said. The suspect's age was unknown Friday night, but he may be a minor. The suspect's name has not been released and likely will not be released if the suspect is a minor.

Two juvenile victims were injured in the shooting and taken to the hospital for treatment, Foreman said.

The Columbia Basin Herald does not identify minors who are victims of crimes, and law enforcement generally does not identify suspects under the age of 18.

The fairgrounds area was evacuated while the rodeo continued until all events were concluded.

Grant County Fairgrounds Director Jim McKiernan said the fair will be open Saturday and fair tickets will remain valid. In addition, admission to the fair is free.

“Our plan for tomorrow is to honor all the ticket holders who bought tickets today, and they can come by tomorrow,” McKiernan said. “And we'll make the fair free for anyone who wants to come. The plan is to continue our entertainment program, we have some Hispanic bands planned for tomorrow, and our entertainment program on the grounds.”

It is currently assumed that this is an isolated case.

Foreman said the GCSO's response plan for such an incident went according to plan, although department officials would have preferred it not to have happened.

“It is an unfortunate incident,” McKiernan said.