UPDATE: A major development in the Pasco shooting case has just occurred. Authorities have apprehended Osman Morales-Salto, a suspect wanted under a staggering $5 million arrest warrant, in Pullman, Washington, early Wednesday afternoon.
Officials from the Pullman Police Department were alerted by the Pasco Police Department on Tuesday evening about Morales-Salto’s possible presence in the Aspen Heights area on Military Hill. The suspect is facing six counts of first-degree assault linked to a shooting incident that occurred early Sunday morning in Pasco.
Following the tip, the Whitman County Regional SWAT Team, along with the Pasco Street Crimes Unit and the Latah County Regional SWAT Team, conducted extensive surveillance in the area. After several tense hours, Morales-Salto was taken into custody without any incident.
Residents are advised to avoid the Aspen Heights area and seek alternative routes around North Grand Avenue and Pullman-Albion Road while the investigation unfolds. Although there is no ongoing threat to public safety, authorities are evacuating the 100 buildings at the complex to secure the scene and gather evidence.
The evacuation process has also affected students from Washington State University (WSU), who are being relocated to the CUB Senior Ballroom. Meanwhile, non-student residents are being temporarily housed at the Pullman Senior Center at City Hall.
This incident has prompted a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, including the Washington State Patrol, the Latah County Sheriff’s Office, the Moscow Police Department, Whitman County Emergency Management, and the Pullman Fire Department.
The investigation is ongoing, with local authorities emphasizing the need for community cooperation during this critical time. Stay tuned for further updates as more details emerge.
