Double murder suspect wanted for kidnapping son shot himself after chase, son in police custody
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Authorities say a former police officer wanted for kidnapping his son after allegedly killing two people in Washington state shot himself after a police chase ended on Interstate 5 north of Eugene, Oregon, on Tuesday afternoon.
The 1-year-old boy is safe in police custody, while the suspect's current condition is unknown at this time, according to authorities.
The multi-state manhunt started Monday afternoon when police say Elias Huizar, a former Yakima police officer who was also a school resource officer and a substitute teacher, fled the scene of a shooting at William Wiley Elementary School in West Richland, Washington, where his ex-wife, Amber Marie Rodriguez, was gunned down. Police say Huizar fled the state with his 1-year-old son Roman.
The body of another female was found dead in Huizar's home, according to Seattle CBS affiliate KIRO. She was the mother of the 1-year-old boy.
Rodriguez leaves behind two children, ages 9 and 6. A GoFundMe has been set up to support the family.
While KOIN 6 is not disclosing the identity of the second victim in this story due to her age, a GoFundMe has also been created for her.
An Amber Alert was issued late Monday evening as a result. Overnight Tuesday, Huizar was spotted stopping at a Plaid Pantry on Hayden Island in Portland, according to authorities and Plaid Pantry's CEO. Multnomah County deputies also confirmed to KOIN 6 News they went to Bridal Veil to investigate a vehicle that potentially matched the description of Huizar's sedan.
Oregon State Police confirmed to KOIN 6 News "a pursuit has concluded," but West Richland police announced on Facebook that OSP found Huizar around 3 p.m. in a vehicle going southbound on Interstate 5 and started to chase him.
"The pursuit ended with OSP reporting that the suspect sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, with his current condition unknown," West Richland police said on Facebook. "The 1-year-old child...was taken safely into custody by OSP troopers."
West Richland police say they'll have another press conference on Wednesday morning.
Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.