WEST RICHLAND, Wash. – A manhunt is underway in Washington for Elias Huizar, who is suspected of killing his ex-wife and girlfriend before abducting a one-year-old child, according to an Amber Alert issued by the Washington State Patrol. Huizar, 39, is believed to be driving a silver 2009 Toyota Corolla with Washington plate CBZ4745, with authorities considering the possibility that he may be headed to Mexico.
According to the West Richland Police Department, Huizar is accused of shooting a woman at William Wiley Elementary School on Monday, April 22, and fatally shooting another victim at his residence. Additionally, Huizar was facing child rape charges from February and was scheduled to appear in court on the same morning as the shootings.
The initial shooting took place around 3:23 p.m. as students were being released from William Wiley, prompting several schools to go into lockdown as a precaution, as reported by WRPD. Investigators have described Huizar as armed and dangerous, urging the public to contact 911 immediately if he is spotted.
Huizar, a former police officer from Yakima, had been charged in February with child rape. Court documents revealed that he was accused of sexually assaulting a teenager, with his trial date initially set for April 22 but later removed from the court docket.
Details of the February incident involving Huizar include allegations of a sexual assault against a 16-year-old girl, reportedly witnessed by his underage girlfriend. Huizar had served as a police officer for almost nine years, from June 2013 to February 2022.
Due to the ongoing nature of this story, information is subject to change, and efforts are being made to provide timely and accurate updates as the situation unfolds.