YAKIMA, Wash. — The Yakima Police Department (YPD) has released the names of the officers involved in a shooting incident that occurred last Saturday, which resulted in the second death linked to the case in Yakima earlier this week.
The list includes 14 officers, with Chief of Police Shawn Boyle at the top. Among those listed are six patrol officers, three detectives, three sergeants, and one lieutenant. All 14 officers have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of internal reviews.
In Chief Boyle’s absence, Captain Chad Janis is serving as acting chief. It remains unclear when or if Chief Boyle will return to his position.
The YPD confirmed that they are conducting an internal investigation into the shooting. This internal review is separate from the ongoing investigation by the Yakima Valley Special Investigations Unit (YSIU), which continues to gather evidence and interview witnesses related to the incident.
The release of officer names comes as the department grapples with the aftermath of a particularly challenging week for the community, following multiple fatalities stemming from the same case. Law enforcement officials have emphasized that the administrative leave is standard protocol whenever officers are involved in a deadly use-of-force situation, allowing for an unbiased review of actions taken during the incident.
The staffing strain caused by the ongoing investigation and administrative leaves has had immediate operational impacts. Officials announced that next Saturday’s Cruise the Ave event in downtown Yakima has been cancelled due to a shortage of available officers to manage the event safely.
The YPD is urging residents to remain patient as both the internal review and the external investigation proceed. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to transparency and public accountability while balancing the need for a thorough review of the incident.
Community members continue to react with concern and questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the broader implications for public safety in Yakima. Both the YPD and the Yakima Valley Special Investigations Unit are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.
The department has also reminded the public that administrative leave is a procedural measure and does not imply wrongdoing. “Our goal is to ensure that all aspects of this incident are fully examined,” the department stated, “and that the public can have confidence in the integrity of our review process.”
This developing situation highlights ongoing challenges for law enforcement agencies in maintaining public trust while navigating complex, high-stakes incidents.
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