04/12/17 Franklin County, WA – Domestic Violence Suspect In Handcuffs Gets To Driver’s Seat Of Franklin County Patrol Car – While Stealing It – Deputy Shoots Him In The Leg

April 12, 2017

tri-cityherald.com

A Franklin County sheriff’s deputy shot a domestic violence suspect in the leg Tuesday night after the man climbed to the front of a patrol car and tried to escape, authorities said.

Michael L. Long, 32, of Richland, is being treated at an area hospital. An update on his condition wasn’t available.

The sheriff’s office has turned over the matter to the Tri-City Special Investigation Unit — standard practice in officer-involved shootings. The unit includes investigators from other law enforcement agencies.

Deputy Scott Wright wasn’t hurt in the front-seat struggle in Mesa. He’s been with the sheriff’s office for about a year.

Deputies were called about 7 p.m. to a domestic violence incident in the area of Scooteney Park off Highway 17, said sheriff’s officials.

They intercepted Long in his car at the intersection of Angeline Street and Caldona Avenue in Mesa.

Long abandoned his car at the intersection and started running awa,y but deputies caught up to him and he was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence crimes, court order violations and drug possession, said the sheriff’s office.

He was handcuffed and put in the back of a patrol car.

Then, according to preliminary information, “(Long) somehow was able to climb through the back seat divider into the driver’s seat of the patrol car and attempted to flee the scene,” the sheriff’s office said. No deputies were in the car at the time.

Wright scrambled into the passenger seat of the moving patrol car and tried to stop Long from driving off, said the sheriff’s office.

“During the course of the events, the deputy discharged his firearm, striking the suspect in the leg,” said a news release.

Wright was placed on administrative leave pending the investigation into the use of force.

Sheriff Jim Raymond couldn’t be reached Tuesday for more information about the incident.