SWAT Standoff in Richland

Arrested:  Garza, Ricco; 23 year of age male, Richland resident
Charges:  Fugitive from Justice from Florida (US Marshall's Office), Federal Firearms Violation Warrant (US Marshall's Office), Fail to Register as a Sex Offender Warrant (Richland PD)

On 1-22-2013 at approximately 3:30 PM members of the US Marshall's Service and the Richland Police Department attempted to serve the above warrants on Garza in the 400 block of Smith Ave.  The Marshall's Service had tracked Garza from Florida to Portland, OR and then to the Tri-Cities.  Garza was wanted on Federal firearms violations and has an outstanding warrant from Richland PD for failing to register as a sex offender.

Garza refused to exit the residence and had with him his 14 year of age male cousin.  Garza was armed with a handgun and has a history of violence and gang affiliations.  Due to the circumstances of the case, the Tri-City Regional SWAT team was called to assist.  The SWAT team deployed and negotiations continued with the suspect.

After negotiating for approximately 1 hour the subject, accompanied by the 14 year old male came out of the residence.  He was taken into custody without further incident.  Garza was transported to the Benton County jail and booked on the above Federal and local charges.

Contact Capt. Mike Cobb, 942-7362, for further information.