KENNEWICK, Wash. – Benton County Commissioner Will McKay made his first court appearance at the Benton County Justice Center following his arrest for second-degree theft. The arrest stemmed from allegations of road rage on Highway 395 and Clearwater over the weekend.
Commissioner McKay appeared before Judge Shea Brown with his attorney, Nick Jones. He made his preliminary appearance after being arrested and spending only two hours in jail on Saturday before posting a $2,000 bail.
The alleged incident occurred at the roundabout on 27th Avenue and Union Street in Kennewick. Kennewick police reported that McKay and another individual became involved in an argument while in their cars. This led to McKay reportedly bear-hugging the other man, taking his phone and deleting a video.
In court, Judge Brown mentioned that a visiting judge would replace her. Benton County Prosecutor Eric Eisinger stated he would not be handling the case.
“I obviously have a conflict of interest,” said Eisinger. “And so, I am working on arranging a special prosecutor who will take this case. I’ve made calls to that fact this morning already. I would ask for just other standard release conditions, including law-abiding behavior and returning to court,” said Eisinger.
Eisinger requested a no-contact order between McKay and the other man involved.
“A request for a no-contact order. In the meantime, just to have no contact with the complaining party,” said Eisinger.
Judge Brown granted the request.
“Mr. McKay, please don’t have contact with [indistinct name]. All right? While this matter is pending. And pending a visiting judge, handling of the no contact,” said Judge Brown.
As of now, another hearing is scheduled for tomorrow to discuss release conditions, but Judge Brown mentioned that the hearing might be postponed.
