KENNEWICK, Wash. – UPDATE 4:10 p.m.
The scene of the standoff is now clear, according to KPD Commander Isaac Merkl.
Merkl says the suspect that officers were looking for was not in the house, however two of the 13 people in the house were arrested for warrants not related to the initial suspect.
No one was injured at the standoff. SWAT and sheriffs from both Benton and Franklin County responded to the scene.
UPDATE 3:30 p.m.
According to KSD Executive Director of Communications and Public Relations Robyn Chastain, the lockdown at Westgate Elementary is not affecting release times and pickup procedures for students.
Chastain says the parents and guardians of students who live in the direction of the standoff were notified of the situation.
The non-critical lockdown at Westgate is still in place.
UPDATE 1:50 p.m.
According to Kennewick PD Commander Isaac Merkl, law enforcement is trying to get a male suspect to leave the home.
Anyone who leaves the house during the ongoing standoff is being detained for precautionary reasons, but not necessarily arrested, according to Commander Merkl.
Westgate Elementary and the Keewaydin Discovery Center are still under “non-critical lockdowns,” according to the KSD, meaning the schools have ensured all students are off the playgrounds and secure-and-teach procedures have been implemented.
UPDATE 1:05 p.m.
According to a NonStop Local Photojournalist on scene, authorities are still on scene and are trying to get an individual to leave the home.
According to Kennewick Police the home is well-known to law enforcement, with police responding to the address for various reasons.
UPDATE 12:00 p.m.
Earlier we reported that the suspect or suspects allegedly fired shots at law enforcement, according to KPD Commander Isaac Merkl. No shots have actually been fired, but KPD have been using flashbangs and residents in the area are encouraged to shelter-in-place if they are home.
ORIGINAL COVERAGE 9:55 a.m.
Local law enforcement agencies are responding to a standoff situation outside a Kennewick home.
Officers are attempting to locate several wanted individuals inside the home near W. 6th Ave. and Conway St., according to a KPD social media post.
Westgate Elementary is currently in a non-critical lockdown due to the situation in the area, according to the Kennewick School District.
According to Kennewick Police, the standoff reportedly started around 7:30 a.m. when a wanted suspect barricaded themselves in a residential apartment and the Tri-City Regional SWAT team responded.
A NonStop Local Photojournalist on the scene has confirmed that Richland Police and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office are also now responding to the situation.
The public is asked to avoid the area if possible.
