Police still searching for suspect of shooting in Ellensburg

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ELLENSBURG, Wash. – UPDATE 5:04 p.m.

According to a NonStop Local reporter on scene, the SWAT team has cleared out from the home after not finding the suspect.

The shooting suspect is still reportedly at-large.

UPDATE 4:23 p.m.

A NonStop Local reporter says a SWAT team, Yakima and Ellensburg police officers and Kittitas County sheriffs are set up at a building near Cora Street and Rainier Avenue.

EPD says the suspect of the shooting is believed to be inside.

Rainier Avenue is blocked off at Cora Street, according to a NonStop Local reporter.

UPDATE 3:10 p.m.

A witness of the shots fired provided his view of the incident to NonStop Local in an interview.

The witness says he was eating at the Jack in the Box at around 12:25 p.m. when he heard three shots fired in quick succession, then saw someone with a gun running in the restaurant’s parking lot.

The witness then ran to a nearby library right before it locked down.

The Ellensburg Police Department says that all local schools are releasing at their normal times with busses arriving about 15 minutes later.

Police say several agencies are involved and are actively searching for the suspect.

UPDATE 2:36 p.m.

According to Central Washington University, the shelter in-place advisory for the university has been lifted.

CWU says law enforcement will continue to investigate. Anyone who sees suspicious activity is asked to call 911.

Morgan Middle School is also no longer in lockdown, per a local parent.

The Ellensburg Police Department says the suspect is still at-large and that police are still actively searching.

ORIGINAL COVERAGE

Shots have reportedly been fired near Central Washington University.

According to Ellensburg Police, the shooting happened near University Way and N. Main St. near Jack in the Box and people are being asked to avoid the area of Water Street to C Street, to stay inside and to lock their doors.

CWU issued an emergency alert after shots were fired around 12:15 p.m. and the suspect is still at-large.

According to CWU’s emergency alert, the investigation is ongoing and the suspect is described as a male in a purple hoodie.

At this time students are being asked to shelter in place until further notice.

Ellensburg Police are reporting that the search for the suspect is ongoing as of 2 p.m. and that they will continue to provide updates every 15-20 minutes on social media.

Morgan Middle School is currently in a secure and teach. According to the school, all students are reportedly safe and contained at this time.

This is a developing story, which means information could change. We are working to provide timely and accurate information as we receive it.

 

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