James R. Sams, 33 year old male was taken into custody on 6-5-11 at about 0115hrs after being stopped driving a stolen vehicle in the area of Jadwin and Aaron. An officer stopped the vehicle and Sams exited the driver’s side. Someone inside the car then drove away. The officer did not pursue. Later the stolen car was found in the area of Thayer and Cottonwood unoccupied.
Elizabeth A. McCoy, a 22 year old female, was contacted shortly after and taken into custody after being linked to the crime. The investigation revealed that James Schultz was the person driving from the scene.
As the investigation stands today, several points have come to light which can be shared:
-Investigators have discovered a second handgun that was found inside the suspect vehicle
-Investigators have discovered two spent shell casings inside the suspect vehicle. The shell casings do not match the caliber of ammo that any of the officers were carrying
-A witness has reported seeing James Schultz with a handgun in the vehicle just prior to officers firing their weapons
-A witness has reported hearing a gunshot originating from within the suspect vehicle just prior to officers firing their weapons
This information to date is based on an evolving investigation. Information obtained could always be updated at a later date.
Point of contact is Captain Jeff Taylor, 942-7363
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Shooting Investigation Update
Deceased: Schultz, James Dean, 27 years old. Address Unknown
During the early morning hours of 6-5-11, Richland Police investigated several stolen vehicle reports. During those investigations, James Schultz was named as a possible suspect. On 6-5-11 at 0629hrs, officers were dispatched to the area of 1400 Alice St a report of a Suspicious Person. It was believed that the call could be associated with the earlier stolen vehicle. Officers responded to the area and found a gold colored sedan occupied by 5 people, including James Schultz. Five Richland Officers were present during the call. During the course of the contact with the suspects in the vehicle shots were fired. James Schultz died at the scene. The occupants of the vehicle were interviewed by investigators from the Special Investigations Unit. All but one was later released. Rolando Vargas, a 21 year old male was booked into the Benton County Jail for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm first degree.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) along with the WSP Crime Lab Response team processed the scene where the shooting took place. A handgun, not belonging to involved officers, was recovered at the location.
SIU is handling the investigation involving the shooting.
Richland PD Detectives are handling the investigations pertaining to the stolen vehicles.
The five involved officers have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard practice.
Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
Point of contact: Capt. Jeff Taylor, 509-942-7363
During the early morning hours of 6-5-11, Richland Police investigated several stolen vehicle reports. During those investigations, James Schultz was named as a possible suspect. On 6-5-11 at 0629hrs, officers were dispatched to the area of 1400 Alice St a report of a Suspicious Person. It was believed that the call could be associated with the earlier stolen vehicle. Officers responded to the area and found a gold colored sedan occupied by 5 people, including James Schultz. Five Richland Officers were present during the call. During the course of the contact with the suspects in the vehicle shots were fired. James Schultz died at the scene. The occupants of the vehicle were interviewed by investigators from the Special Investigations Unit. All but one was later released. Rolando Vargas, a 21 year old male was booked into the Benton County Jail for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm first degree.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) along with the WSP Crime Lab Response team processed the scene where the shooting took place. A handgun, not belonging to involved officers, was recovered at the location.
SIU is handling the investigation involving the shooting.
Richland PD Detectives are handling the investigations pertaining to the stolen vehicles.
The five involved officers have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard practice.
Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
Point of contact: Capt. Jeff Taylor, 509-942-7363
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Shooting Investigation
On 6-5-11 at about 0629hrs, Richland Police Officers were dispatched to the 1400 Block of Alice St in Richland for a report of a Suspicious Person. Officers responded to the area and located the suspect in a vehicle in the area of Cottonwood and Thayer. After confronting the male, shots were fired. The male suspect was hit and died at the scene. The Tri-City Special Investigation Unit has been called out and is investigating the incident. More information will follow at a later time.
Capt Jeff Taylor 942-7363
Capt Jeff Taylor 942-7363
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