Suspect’s Name, Details From Fatal Pasco Shooting Released
The identity of the slashing suspect who wounded two Pasco officers then was fatally shot has been released, as well as details of the incident.
Around 8:30pm Saturday night, in the 2000 block of North 18th Ave. officers responded to what they called a "property crime." No word on who called it in or if anyone was in the structure being broken into.
Upon arrival the 2 initial responding officers made contact with Alejandro Betancourt-Mendoza, the suspect. Police reports indicate he "brandished a weapon" (a knife of some kind) and stabbed the two officers. One female officer sustained lacerations to her face, the other male officer in the arm. The officers opened fire and the suspect was fatally shot. No word which officer fired, or if it was both. It is also not known how many rounds were fired.
Scanner traffic indicated CPR was performed on Mendoza at the scene, but police did not officially include that in the initial report. It is presumed the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene according to some reports, but that has not been confirmed.
Both officers were able to drive themselves to Lourdes Medical Center ER where they were treated and released. Multiple agency units responded to the scene, including the WSP, Franklin County Sheriff's Deputies, and Kennewick Police.
No other information has been released, the investigation continues.