Richland Shooting Suspect Arrested

James L. Davis III, 28 years of age, was arrested by Moses Lake PD on December 9.  Davis was hiding at a relative’s home in the area and called requesting to turn himself in.  Davis stated that the pressure exerted by law enforcement officers in Benton, Franklin, Grant and Yakima Counties made hiding out too difficult.  He was taken into custody without incident.

Davis is wanted for his participation in a shooting event that happened in Richland on December 4. Over 20 rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition were fired at a Ford Explorer occupied by three individuals.  The SUV was hit more than 12 times.

In addition to the 1^st Degree Assault charges from Benton County, Davis is also wanted on 4 warrants.  He was booked into the Grant County Jail.  Richland Police investigators drove to Ephrata to interview Davis.  Transportation to the Benton County jail will occur at a later time.

Contact Cpt. Mike Cobb, 942-7362, for additional information.

Circulation of Fraudulent Emails

Recently there has been a circulation of fraudulent emails suggesting the City of Richland is requesting nominations/selections for an award called the 2013 Best of Richland.  The email suggests that Pet Over Population is a candidate for this award and requests you nominate them for it. 

There is a link to POPP's Facebook page in an effort to suggest legitimacy and another link that is titled, "2013 Best of Richland Awards-Animal Shelter".  Below that a secondary link, in case the first doesn't work is listed and is titled, "http://richland.prokwo.com/sy3nrjq_PET-OVER-POPULATION-PREVENTION "

When you click on the links it takes you to a website that will request money from you.  The Richland Police Department wants all residents to know this is a scam.  It is not affiliated with the City of Richland, or Pet Over Population.  Please do not click on the site link, or process funds as it requests.  If you have any questions regarding this please contact Sgt. Ver Steeg at 509-942-7545.

Posted by Ofc. Rick Kane, Community Services.

Shooting in Richland

Suspect:  Davis, James Leroy III, Black Male, 28 years of age, 5’08”, 160 lbs ; Black Hair, Brown Eyes, Transient

Charge:  3 counts of Assault 1^st Degree

Material Witness:  Singleton, Lowell L.; White Male, 37 years of age, 5’10”, 165, Brown Hair, Blue Eyes, 131 Windhaven LN, Richland

Suspect Vehicle:  Late model Jeep Commander, Maroon in color

James Leroy Davis, III

James Leroy Davis III

Lowell Lavell Singleton

 

Jeep Commander

Synopsis:

On December 4, 2013 at about 9:20 PM a car occupied by Davis and Singleton drove into the area of the 100 block of Bitterroot Dr in Richland.  They came across a Ford Explorer occupied Dominic Bailer, 35, Edward Bolt, 32 and Ricci Vogel, 39 all of Kennewick.  The two groups had been having a dispute.

After driving by the vehicle occupied by the three victims, the maroon Jeep Commander stopped.  Davis got out of the SUV with what was described by witnesses as a rifle.  Davis opened fire on the Explorer hitting it numerous times.  One round went through the pants worn by Bolt and slightly grazed his leg.  No one else in the vehicle was injured.  The Jeep Commander fled the area.

Responding investigators located over 20 expended shell casings of 7.62 x 39 ammunition.  Another round travelled from Bitterroot to the 2500 block of Duportail where it struck an apartment.  No injuries were reported in the apartment complex.

Davis and Singleton are still at large.  Anyone with information on their whereabouts should call 911.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Media should call Cpt. Mike Cobb, 942-7362, with questions.