News and Updates

2024

Global Scholars Incident

Update: Thursday, April 11, 2024: The Whitman County Prosecuting Attorney issued a statement. See the report from Pullman Radio News: Mental Health Issues Lead Prosecutor To Drop Criminal Case Against WSU Student Shot At During Suicide By Cop Attempt.

Update: Wednesday, April 3, 2024: The WSU PD Officer who fired his weapon is identified as Dillon Tiedeman-Mueller. Officer Tiedeman Mueller has been a WSU Police Officer for 2 ½ years and was previously a Latah County Sheriff’s Deputy for 3 1/2 years. Officer Tiedeman-Mueller remains on administrative leave. The regional officer involved shooting investigative team, the Palouse Area Law Enforcement Critical Incident Investigative Response Team (PALECIIRT), continues their investigation of the incident.

UPDATE – Thursday, March 28, 2024: Additional investigation revealed that Bazan was the person who called to report a subject with a knife and described himself. When officers confronted Bazan, he had his hands in his sweatshirt pockets and began moving toward officers. Bazan did not follow repeated instructions to stop and remove his hands from his pockets as officers were backing up and attempting to maintain a safe distance. An officer deployed a Taser which was initially ineffective. As Bazan continued to move toward the officers, Bazan quickly removed his hands from his sweatshirt in an aggressive manner. At that point, an officer fired a shot from his firearm which missed Bazan. After another Taser deployment officers were able to take Bazan into custody.

After evaluation at Pullman Regional Hospital, Bazan was transported to the Whitman County Jail and booked on charges of assault, resisting arrest, intimidation of a public servant, and obstruction.

Wednesday, March 27, 2024: At approximately 11:22 am, WSU Police responded to the 4^th floor of Global Scholars residence hall on a report of a male subject with a knife. Shortly after contact officers reported they had fired a shot. The subject, identified as 20-year-old WSU student John Bazan, was taken into custody for obstructing an officer. It was determined Bazan was not struck by a bullet and was transported to Pullman Regional Hospital for evaluation.

Per protocol, the regional officer involved shooting investigative team will conduct an independent investigation of the incident and provide follow up media releases. Also, per protocol, the involved officer will be placed on administrative leave. The Officer’s identity will be released at a later time.

2023

Attempted Burglary

Saturday, December 16, 2023: WSU Police remind the community to lock their doors, even when they are home.  On Saturday, December 16, 2023 at approximately 4:20 p.m., WSU PD Officers responded to the report of a male attempting to gain entry to an apartment at the Kamiak Apartments, located at 1650 NE Valley Rd.  A male was seen running from the area after he was unsuccessful.  He was described as a skinny, white male, approximately 6’1”, bald, and wearing and a dark brown old jacket, and cream colored kahki pants.  While investigating the attempted break in, Officers learned this was at least the third time someone had attempted to enter an apartment at the complex.  WSU Police are continuing to investigate the incidents and ask anyone with information to contact the department at police@wsu.edu or (509)335-8548.  WSU Police will be increasing patrols in the area, and ask residents to call dispatch (Whitcom) (509)332-2521 if they see anything suspicious in the area or 911 if it is an emergency.

Robbery

UPDATE – Monday, July 3, 2023: WSU PD officers arrested a second suspect at his Pullman residence on Sunday, July 2. Arrested Saturday: Frank Rodriguez, 19 year old Richland resident. Arrested Sunday: Robert Garcia, 19 year old Pullman resident. Both suspects are being held in the Whitman County Jail on multiple counts of felony robbery.
Saturday, July 1, 2023, 2:50 am: Three residents of the Terrace Apartments (1401 NE Merman Dr) reported that they were robbed of their cell phones at about 2:50 a.m. this morning (7/1/23) in front of the apartment building. WSU PD officers responded and were assisted by Pullman PD officers, who located the suspects nearby and chased them on foot, capturing one. That suspect was arrested and booked at the Whitman County Jail on a felony charge of robbery. The outstanding suspects are described as: 1) thin white male 5-10 to 6-2, long brown hair, gray hooded sweatshirt, blue shorts; 2) Hispanic male, 5-6 to 5-9, gray sweatshirt. It is unknown if the suspects are armed. Anyone with information about the identity of the remaining suspects is asked to call WSU PD at (509) 335-8548.

Update 10:45 pm: Situation resolved. All clear.

Update 6:35 pm: Update from Pullman PD: https://www.facebook.com/PullmanPD

Sunday, May 7, 2023, 4:35 pm: Police activity adjacent to campus west of Reaney Park. Stay clear of the area.

Lock-down Drill

Thursday, May 4, 2023, 3:00 pm: One of the buildings on the Pullman campus is conducting a lock-down drill this afternoon. There is no emergency on campus.

Death Investigation near Stephenson Hall Complex

UPDATE: April 15, 2023

On Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 12:39 AM, WSU Police responded to a call at the Stephenson Hall complex, 1245 NE Stadium Way, on the WSU Pullman campus. Upon arrival, officers discovered a deceased male south of the complex.

Based on the information available at this time, there is no known active threat to the WSU community. The WSU Police Department is actively working with the Whitman County Coroner’s Office on the investigation, as it does following any death on campus. The name of the individual and the cause and manner of death will be released by the Coroner’s Office. WSU Police will notify the WSU community immediately if there is any change in the initial threat assessment. Updates will be posted on this webpage.

Overturned Vehicle on Veterans Way

Update Tuesday, March 21: On Monday, March 20th at about 12:52 pm, a 35-year-old male was driving south on Veterans Way and overturned his vehicle when he struck a concrete barrier. Two female WSU students who were pedestrians were also struck, injuring one. WSU PD officers provided first aid to the injured pedestrian and the unconscious driver after pulling him from his vehicle. The Pullman Fire department took over first aid upon their arrival. The driver and injured pedestrian were transported to Pullman Regional Hospital for treatment and both were determined to have minor injuries. Pullman PD and the Whitman County Sheriffs Office provided assistance with scene documentation. A blood sample from the driver was obtained with a search warrant. The cause of the collision is still under investigation by WSU PD. Veteran’s Way is a restricted access road not open to the general public.

Update 2:05 pm: Injured parties have been transported to the hospital. Investigators will be conducting an investigation at the scene for a number of hours. The pedestrian walkway on Veteran’s Way between Idaho St and Morrill Hall will be closed until later this evening.

Monday, March 20, 1:10 pm: Avoid the area of Idaho St & College Ave due to serious collision. Give emergency responders room to work.

Brandishing a Weapon

Friday, March 10, 2023, 2:55 pm:

At about 1:50 PM today, a subject was reportedly brandishing a machete like weapon out of their car window in an apparent road rage altercation. The weapon was displayed in the area of Grand Ave near Whitman St in the City of Pullman. Shortly before or after that incident, the vehicle was seen on the WSU Pullman campus on North Fairway Drive near the Student Recreation Center. The vehicle is described as a dark green Subaru Legacy. No description was provided of the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. If you have any information about this incident, contact the Pullman Police Department at (509) 334-0802.

Pullman PD Investigating Sex Offenses Near Campus

Update Monday, March 6, 2023, 7:30 am: Suspect was arrested by Pullman PD on March 5.

Update: Friday, March 3, 2023, 8:00 pm: Suspect has been identified but is not in custody.

Friday, March 3, 2023, 7:00 pm: Pullman PD is investigating several sex offenses this afternoon involving a male subject in the proximity of sorority houses west of campus. The subject is described as approximately 6’0″ tall, with brown hair and facial hair. He was seen wearing a light green or distressed gray zip-up jacket, a gray hooded sweatshirt, work-style pants, and brown boots. He was seen driving a gold/tan 2001-2007 Toyota Highlander.
If you have any information that may help police to identify or locate this subject, please contact Pullman Police Officer Shellabarger at (509) 334-0802. Case # 23-P01918

NEWS RELEASE

February 24, 2023

Gary Jenkins, Chief of Police

(509) 335-8548

Death Investigation at the CUB

On Friday, February 24, 2023, at 3:10 pm, WSU Police responded to a call of an unconscious person at the west doors of the Compton Union Building (CUB), 1500 NE Terrell Mall, on the WSU Pullman campus. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 39-year-old male unconscious and unresponsive. Officers performed CPR until the arrival of Pullman Fire Department paramedics who took over CPR. Paramedics were ultimately unable to revive the subject.

Based on the information available at this time, there is no known active threat to the WSU community. The WSU Police Department is actively working with the Whitman County Coroner’s Office on the investigation, as it does following any death on campus. The name of the individual and the cause and manner of death will be released by the Coroner’s Office. WSU Police will notify the WSU community immediately if there is any change in the initial threat assessment. Updates will be posted on this webpage.

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NEWS RELEASE

January 27, 2023

Gary Jenkins, Chief of Police

(509) 335-8548

Statement by WSU Police Chief Gary Jenkins on the Events in Memphis

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Tyre Nichols, whose tragic and horrific death at the hands of police officers shocked our nation.

Every police officer across the country should denounce the actions that led to Mr. Nichols’ death. I am disgusted by the actions of the former police officers who perpetrated this attack. I am glad that they will be held accountable.

The officers and staff of the Washington State University Police Department join the WSU community in condemning the unnecessary and brutal attack on Mr. Nichols. No law enforcement officer should abuse their power or stand by and allow it to happen.

The video that shows the violent attack on Mr. Nichols reveals the failure of those Memphis police officers. We are firmly opposed to police brutality. It is not law enforcement. We seek to do better through a commitment to ethical policing, employing best practices, and doing the right thing that ensures the safety of all.

I have high confidence in my staff and expect much from them, including a focus on our guiding principles to treat everyone with dignity and respect. I am committed to holding my staff accountable for their professional and fair treatment of everyone they contact. Every sworn member of the WSU Police Department took an oath to uphold the Constitution and to protect the rights of all citizens.

To that end, we seek out and complete training to help prepare us to manage encounters and ensure everyone’s safety. As public safety professionals, we want peaceful and respectful resolutions to situations through cooperative problem-solving.

The WSU Police Department has a robust use of force review process that begins with a supervisor responding to any scene of officer use of force that results in a complaint of pain and higher. The supervisor then conducts a use of force investigation, which includes review of video footage from the body-worn cameras of all officers at the scene of a use of force incident. Finally, the use of force investigation is reviewed by the Assistant Chief and Chief of Police.

Washington state has been a leader in police reform measures and legislation over the past few years. The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, which operates the police academies in Washington state, has also been in leader in areas of procedural justice and peace officer accountability.

We also thoroughly investigate all complaints made about officer misconduct. A complaint form is available online at police.wsu.edu.

I work with Assistant Chief Dawn Daniels to proactively reach out to student groups and other organizations to build positive relationships and open communication. Please contact either of us if you are interested in meeting.

We stand with the WSU community to condemn the violent actions in Memphis and elsewhere. We will continue to work hard to protect our community and reinforce trust in us as professional peace officers.

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2022

Weapon Offense – SWAT Callout – Pullman, WA

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King Road Homicides – Moscow, Idaho

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