Ex-police officer wanted in 2 killings and kidnapping shoots, kills self in Oregon, police say

Ex-cop wanted for 2 killings & kidnapping found dead in Oregon; police confirm suicide.

Former Washington State Officer, Suspect in Double Homicide, Found Dead Following Oregon Chase

 

After a harrowing pursuit that stretched across state lines, former Washington state police officer Elias Huizar, wanted in connection with the deaths of two individuals, including his ex-wife, was discovered deceased in Oregon on Tuesday. 

Authorities confirmed Huizar died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The chase culminated tragically on Interstate 5 near Eugene, Oregon, where Huizar's vehicle collided with a commercial vehicle after a high-speed pursuit.

 

Oregon State Police Capt. Kyle Kennedy revealed that troopers initiated the chase upon spotting Huizar driving southbound on Interstate 5 around 3 p.m. Tuesday. The pursuit ensued after Huizar evaded a trooper's attempt to pull him over. Kennedy disclosed that troopers engaged in gunfire with Huizar during the chase, which covered approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) before the fatal collision.

 

Despite the chaos, the one silver lining emerged as Huizar's 1-year-old infant, who was in the vehicle with him, emerged unharmed and was safely taken into custody by Oregon State Police troopers.

 

Kennedy emphasized the relief felt by law enforcement at the safe recovery of the child, stating, "All day our thoughts have been how to rescue this young boy and we’re thankful for the outcome that occurred."

 

The pursuit unfolded following a disturbing series of events beginning the previous day when Huizar allegedly perpetrated a double homicide. The first victim, identified as Amber Rodriguez, 31, was fatally shot eight times outside a West Richland elementary school, reportedly in front of her 9-year-old son and other witnesses. Rodriguez, who had recently obtained a protection order against Huizar, was employed at the school. The second victim, described only as Huizar's girlfriend, was discovered later at his residence.

 

Court records revealed a troubling history, indicating that Huizar, 39, had been living with a 17-year-old girl whom he met during his tenure as a middle school resource officer in Yakima. The girl, now the mother of Huizar's child, had filed a protection order against him, citing instances of sexual assault. Further complicating matters, Huizar faced charges of raping both the teen and her 16-year-old friend, allegedly while the latter was unconscious at their home.

 

The revelations have prompted scrutiny of the Richland School District's hiring practices, as Huizar had been employed as a substitute teacher despite his troubled history. The district expressed dismay over the lack of disclosure regarding Huizar's past, stating, "It is the expectation for individuals who apply for employment with RSD to be forthcoming and truthful in their applications."

 

Huizar's tumultuous past came to a tragic conclusion with his death in Oregon, leaving behind a trail of devastation and unanswered questions.

 

This image from U.S. Capitol Police video, contained and annotated in the Justice Department's statement of facts in support arrest warrant for David Joseph Gietzen, shows Gietzen, circled in yellow, pushing at a officer's shield at a police line on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. The North Carolina man who became a fugitive after a federal jury convicted him of assaulting police officers during the U.S. Capitol riot has been sentenced to six years in prison. (Department of Justice via AP)