A former Washington state police officer, wanted after killing two people, including his ex-wife, was discovered with a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a chase in Oregon. The incident unfolded when Oregon State Police troopers spotted the ex-Yakima officer, Elias Huizar, driving southbound on Interstate 5 near Eugene, Oregon, at approximately 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
Huizar sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, and his condition remains unknown. The West Richland, Washington, Police Department confirmed the incident in a Facebook post. The southbound lanes of the highway were closed, and traffic was detoured to accommodate the police response.
The tragic events began on Monday afternoon when Huizar killed two individuals, including his ex-wife, Amber Rodriguez, 31. Rodriguez was shot eight times outside a West Richland elementary school in front of their 9-year-old son and other witnesses. She had recently obtained a protection order against Huizar. Rodriguez was employed at the school, while Huizar had been working as a substitute teacher in the Richland School District.
The second victim, identified as Huizar's girlfriend, was found deceased at Huizar's residence. Court records revealed disturbing details about Huizar's past, including his relationship with a 17-year-old girl whom he impregnated when she was 15. The Yakima Police Department disclosed that Huizar had left the department in 2021 after facing disciplinary action.
In February, Huizar was charged with the rape of a 16-year-old friend of the 17-year-old girl he had been living with. Rodriguez, in her petition for a protection order, expressed concerns about the safety of her children and sought a modification of their parenting plan. The Richland School District terminated Huizar's employment following his arrest in February.
The district expressed disappointment that information about Huizar's past was not disclosed during the hiring process and emphasized the importance of transparency from job applicants. The tragic events have left a community in shock and raised questions about the vetting process for individuals seeking employment in educational institutions.
