Newsbriefs

Officers shoot man in Okanogan County

An Okanogan County Sheriff’s sergeant and deputy were involved in a non-fatality shooting near the Aeneas Valley Store, above Tonasket, Monday night, Sheriff Tony Hawley said in a press release Tuesday.

Hawley said that Aeneas Valley Fire District 16 had been called to a reported vehicle fire, where firefighters discovered a body in the trunk of the vehicle, then contacted the Sheriff’s Office.

Investigation indicated an adult male was reportedly seen leaving the car fire, which was reported at approximately 4:28 p.m.

Information from citizens led the sheriff’s officers to the vicinity of the Aeneas Valley Store, where they confronted the suspect just before 7 p.m.

Lance R. Bowers, 37, displayed a firearm and did not comply with orders, Hawley said. Both the sergeant and deputy fired their weapons, and the suspect was shot. Deputies administered first aid and summoned Lifeline to assist in treating his injuries. Bowers was flown to Central Washington Hospital, where he was treated and later released to law enforcement.

Bowers was booked into Chelan County Regional Jail on a weapons charge. He was taken to Okanogan County Jail on Tuesday.

The Okanogan County Sheriff’s sergeant, deputy and K9 were unharmed during the incident, Hawley reported, and they are now on paid administrative leave during the investigation as a standard procedure.

The North Central Washington Special Investigations Unit was contacted to investigate the officer-involved shooting. Okanogan County detectives continue to investigate the fire and death.

Grant County wildfire burning near royal City

A wildfire that started Monday night near Beverly, Washington, had burned over 5,000 acres, forced several evacuations, and prompted the opening of shelters for people and animals.

The Highway 243 Fire started on June 3, 2019, in the southern part of Grant County at approximately 8:53 p.m.

The state fire marshal mobilized fire assistance under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan at 12:45 a.m. Tuesday.

The fire is threatening homes, crops, and infrastructure. As of Tuesday night, several outbuildings had burned, but no homes. The fire cause is under investigation.

A shelter was opened at a Royal City middle school for people affected, and the Grant County Fairgrounds in Moses Lake was ready to accept livestock.

Grant County has a burn ban in effect from June 1 through September 30. Fires are prohibited unless contained inside approved devices and within designated areas. Propane grills and propane fire pits are allowed within cleared areas.