Columbia Center Mall Drive By Shooter Arrested

You may recall back on March 5th, mid-morning, when a swarm of Kennewick Police and County Deputies converged on the Columbia Center Mall parking lot.

Between 10 - 11 AM it was reported there was a drive-by shooting involving two vehicles in the lot behind the mall. No buildings were reported hit, and it appeared to be confined to an issue between occupants of the two cars.

The mall was not closed down during the investigation, as it was determined there was no threat to public safety after the incident.

Blue cones in the photo are where shell casings were located by Police.

Witnesses said it appeared the shooter was likely alone in his car, he stopped and briefly fired several times at another occupied vehicle.

However, no vehicles were initially able to be located. However, based upon witness accounts and some determined investigating, Monday, April 5th Kennewick Police reported they had made an arrest of the suspect believed to be the shooter.

33-year-old Andrew A. Martinez of Kennewick was taken into custody, with help from US Marshals. The investigation also involved members of the Kennewick K-9 teams, Detective Divisions, and others.

Police did not initially elaborate as to what specifically led to this arrest, but said Martinez was located and taken into custody at a home in the 3000 block of West Kennewick Ave.

He is now facing a felony warrant for drive-by shooting and unlawful possession of a firearm. The investigation continues. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.