Following a multi-state manhunt, a suspect in the murders of two people and the abduction of a 1-year-old child in eastern Washington was apprehended on Tuesday afternoon near Eugene, Oregon. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Elias Huizar, was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The 1-year-old child was recovered and is reportedly safe.
Huizar, a former Yakima police officer, was suspected of shooting and killing his ex-wife outside an elementary school in West Richland, Washington, on Monday. A second victim, believed to be Huizar’s girlfriend, was later found deceased at his residence. The suspect then allegedly abducted the 1-year-old, Roman Huizar, leading to an Amber Alert being issued on Monday night.
Huizar was the subject of a large-scale manhunt and was reportedly spotted in the Portland area early on Tuesday. Authorities cautioned the public that he was considered armed and dangerous and could potentially be headed towards Mexico.
Troopers located Huizar’s vehicle on Interstate 5 southbound and initiated a chase. The pursuit ended around 3 p.m. when Huizar sustained the self-inflicted gunshot wound. A section of Interstate 5, approximately eight miles north of Eugene, was closed to traffic following the incident.
Huizar was scheduled to appear in court on Monday for an alleged rape charge involving a 16-year-old girl. Court documents indicate that the assault occurred at Huizar’s home on February 3rd and was witnessed by his 17-year-old girlfriend.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
