Arson Suspect Assaults Firefighters

Arrested:  Aguayo, Nelson; 21 year of age male, Richland resident
Charges:  Arson 1, Assault 3 (four counts), Resisting Arrest

Synopsis:

On 10-18-2014, at approximately 3:53 PM, Richland firefighters responded to a call of a possible structure fire at 2555 Duportail.  Upon arrival RFD personnel found smoke coming from one of the apartments in the G complex.  After locating the affected residence, they were confronted by Aguayo who was inside the apartment.  They identified themselves as RFD and Aguayo attempted to assault them.  He was restrained by the firefighters who summoned assistance from RPD staff. Richland Police responded and arrested Aguayo who was still inside the apartment structure. 

The investigation showed that Aguayo was living in the area temporarily as part of a construction crew.  He set fire to a pile of clothes in his apartment and attempted to bar firefighters from accessing the area and extinguishing the fire.  4 firefighters were assaulted in the process.  After being taken into custody by RPD personnel, Aguayo continued to fight and resist arrest.

The fire was eventually put out.  After being medically cleared, Aguayo was booked into the Benton County Jail on the above charges. 

For additional information contact Capt. Mike Cobb, 942-7362.

Bomb Threat Suspect Arrested

Suspect:  Hill, Jason D; 34 year of age male; Richland resident

Charges:  Threats to bomb

 Synopsis:

At 12:40 today a subject in the Kadlec hospital triage area became disruptive.  After storming out of the hospital he began yelling that he had a bomb and was going to blow up the facility.  The suspect, later identified as Hill, left the area on foot.  The description given by staff included information that he was wearing a camouflage hoody and had a black backpack on his chest.

Security camera footage matched a photograph in the police records data base and a positive ID was made on Hill.  At 12:57 officers located him near the intersection of Thayer and Williams.  He complied with commands to place his backpack and hoody on the ground and was taken into custody.

The Richland Police Bomb Squad responded and used an X-ray to determine that the backpack was safe to approach.  It did not contain any weapons or explosives.

Hill was transported to the Benton County jail and booked on the above charge.

For additional information contact Cpt. Mike Cobb, 509-942-7362