Police were patrolling near the Columbia Park area when they came across two men at around 11:45 p.m. Police reportedly were trying to get the two men to identify themselves when one of them fled on foot. While they were trying to detain the man, he allegedly produced what appeared to be a firearm. Officers Becca Henry, Zach Moore and Dylan Markley received leave, although early reports said only one officer shot and killed Gordon Whitaker.
Victim's Name: Gordon Whitaker
Agency Responsible: Kennewick Police Department
Gender: Male
Age: 45
Race: White
Date of Death: February 9, 2020
County: Benton
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Pending investigation/No Known Charges
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: No
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: gun
Threat Level: attack
Fleeing: Foot
Body Camera: No
Washington Post Database ID: 5517