Theft Suspect Shot at Kennewick Walmart

(Kennewick, WA) -- The Kennewick Police Department has identified the suspect in the shooting at a Walmart there Friday. KPD says he's 31-year-old Alexander Yell. He faces multiple charges in the case

The Kennewick Police Department was dispatched to the report of a shooting in the Kennewick Walmart parking lot just after noon on Friday. Additional 911 calls were received as officers responded stating that there was an active shooter in the store. KPD officers, the Benton County Sherriff’s Office, and the Washington State Patrol responded to the area. Upon police arrival, it was determined that there was not an active shooter but that a shooting had occurred in the south portion of the parking lot.

The investigation revealed that a Walmart Loss Prevention Officer went to contact a theft suspect in the parking lot. During the contact, the suspect, Alexander Yell, displayed a firearm. The LPO, a concealed carry permit holder, drew his own firearm and fired several shots at Yell, who was struck multiple times, then ran to his vehicle and fled.

During the investigation, KPD officers contacted a residence in the 1700 block of W 5th Ave. Yell came out of the residence without incident and was transported via ambulance to a local area hospital where he is being treated for his wounds.

Update:

KPD detectives have executed a search warrant at the residence where Yell was located. The firearm used in the Walmart robbery was recovered. The ongoing investigation revealed that Yell fired at least one round towards the LPO during the incident at Walmart.

During the execution of the warrant, KPD detectives also discovered additional evidence of a burglary that had occurred on 11-25-2021 at a business in the 8300 block of W Gage Blvd., Kennewick.

In addition to the original charges, Yell will also be booked into the Benton County Jail on charges of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Burglary and an upgraded Assault 1 charge.