RICHLAND, Wash. — The search for the former Yakima police officer suspected of killing two people, including his ex-wife outside a West Richland elementary school, and abducting a 1-year-old ended near Eugene, Oregon, on Tuesday.
Oregon State Police spotted 39-year-old Elias Huizar driving on Interstate 5 around 3 p.m. They initiated a pursuit, which ended with deputies reporting Huizar sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Huizar died at the scene, according to a spokesperson for Oregon State Police.
The child was found safe in the vehicle and taken into state custody.
Huizar is suspected of fatally shooting his ex-wife outside an elementary school in West Richland on Monday. Authorities issued a nationwide arrest warrant for Huizar, who faced charges of first-degree premeditated murder.
According to the West Richland Police Department (WRPD), the shooting happened at William Wiley Elementary School at 3:23 p.m., which is around the time school lets out for the day.
Richland Superintendent Shelley Redinger said Huizar waited behind a portable area where he knew she would be.
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
“There are no words to express how deeply saddened we are about the targeted domestic violence incident that took place yesterday," Redinger said. "This is a tragedy no community should have to experience.”
Officers discovered a second victim who was also known to Huizar when serving a search warrant at his home, according to the Washington State Patrol. The second victim was found dead.
Washington State Patrol believed Huizar was trying to get to Mexico.
A Portland convenience store clerk reported to police that Huizar stopped by the store at around 12:42 a.m. to purchase a drink. The clerk also reported seeing a child in the back seat of Huizar's vehicle.
Around 2:40 p.m., an Oregon state officer spotted Huizar's vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle fled and a high-speed pursuit began. At one point, Huizar crashed and exchanged gunfire with officers, according to the Oregon State Patrol spokesperson.
Huizar fled again. He eventually crashed into a vehicle that had stopped for a separate crash and died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
"[The child] is safe in the care of Oregon officials. He is doing well and being cared for. We are very, very thankful for that outcome," said Oregon State Patrol Capt. Kyle Kennedy.
The WRPD worked with multiple regional law enforcement officials including the Washington State Patrol, FBI and U.S. Marshals Service.
Huizar's rape allegations
Huizar was due in court Monday for the alleged rape of a teen girl before the shooting.
At the time of the shooting, Huizar was out on conditions of release for second-degree rape and third-degree rape of a child after an incident in Benton County in February. His bail was set at $250,000.
A 17-year-old girl said she was drinking with Huizar and her 16-year-old friend, according to court documents.
The teen told officers her friend threw up so she started to take care of her. She recalled waking up later to see Huizar performing the sexual act on her 16-year-old friend, court documents detailed. The 17-year-old, who shares a child with Huizar, left the home with her friend to report the incident to authorities.
According to court documents, Huizar started following the teen girls but he stopped when they found officers. That night officers went to Huizar's home, but he refused to come out. The SWAT team was called in and two hours later he was taken into custody, according to court documents.
Police said in court documents it appeared Huizar was cleaning the sheets the 16-year-old slept on when they entered the home.
The 17-year-old met Huizar when he was a school resource officer at her middle school. According to his court documents, the teen was pregnant when she was 15 and had their baby when she turned 16.
Huizar's past employment with Yakima police, Richland schools
Huizar left the Yakima Police Department after receiving discipline in late 2021, the department said in a statement.
"The tragedies we are learning about in West Richland are heartbreaking," Yakima Police Chief Matt Murray said in a statement. "Words cannot express the deep sympathy we feel for all affected by these terrible acts of violence. We remain ready to assist in any way we are able."
Redinger, the Richland superintendent, said Huizar applied for employment with the district in November 2021. He was rated "very good to excellent" in references during the district's application process, she said. Huizar's background checks with WSP and the FBI came back clear in February 2022.
After completing the hiring process, Huizar started working for the district on June 14, 2022.
Huizar last worked with the district on June 14, 2023.
“We are extremely disheartened that information about his past was not disclosed to us through the various processes we have to vet RSD candidates for employment," Redinger said. "It is an expectation for individuals who apply for employment to be forthcoming and truthful in their applications. No past investigation or past allegations appeared in Mr. Huizar’s background checks before he was hired. We take the process hiring staff and pride us on the quality and character of our staff members.”'
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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