TIETON -- Yakima police shot and killed a 26-year-old robbery suspect early Tuesday morning after he opened fire on officers during a high-speed pursuit on Highway 12.

According to reports from the Yakima Police Department, KNDO News and the Yakima Herald-Republic, the suspect, Christopher J.H. Escobedo, robbed the Rocky Mart at 1003 W. Nob Hill Blvd. at gunpoint shortly before midnight Monday, then fled in a Jeep with an undisclosed amount of stolen cash.

A clerk's description helped police spot the Jeep minutes later, but when officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver sped off, headed west on Highway 12. Yakima County sheriff's deputies and the Washington State Patrol joined the chase, which reached speeds in excess of 70 mph.

Along the way, Escobedo began firing at the pursuing officers, then took a turn onto Naches Tieton Road. Speeding eastbound, he missed a turn at Beffa Road and lost control of his vehicle.

According to YPD, when Escobedo got out of the Jeep, two Yakima police officers confronted him and shots were fired. Although authorities administered aid immediately, Escobedo died at the scene.

Police say they found a handgun next to him.

The Yakima County Sheriff’s Office will investigate the shooting.

 

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