Police in Washington State are urgently searching for 39-year-old Elias Huizar, a former police officer who is considered armed and dangerous. Huizar is suspected of shooting and killing two women and abducting a 1-year-old boy before possibly fleeing toward the Mexico border. The incident began with a shooting at Wiley Elementary School in West Richland, where a woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The shooter, identified as Huizar, fled the scene, prompting a lockdown at the school. Police later discovered the body of a second woman at Huizar’s home, who was described as a known associate of the suspect.
An amber alert was issued for the missing 1-year-old boy, Roman Huizar, who is described as 2 feet tall with brown hair and eyes. Elias Huizar is described as being 5ft 6in with brown hair and eyes, and he was last seen driving a Silver 2009 Toyota Corolla. Authorities believe he may be headed to Mexico and have urged anyone who sees him to call 911. The relationship between Huizar and the missing child is not yet clear, but Elias Huizar had appeared in court earlier on charges of child rape.
Huizar was in court on February 15 on child rape charges after allegedly sexually assaulting a teenager while she was sleeping in his home. Another teenager witnessed and reported the incident, leading to no-contact orders being issued for the alleged victims, who were described as teenagers, barring Huizar from being within 1,000 feet of their schools, homes, or workplaces, or having any contact with minors under 16. Prosecuting attorney Anita Petra stated that this order would also ban contact between Huizar and his own child.
Authorities are concerned for the safety of the missing child and are urging the public to provide any information that could lead to locating Elias Huizar and the boy. The tragic incident has shocked the community, especially as Huizar was a former police officer, adding to concerns about his potential to commit further crimes. Police are working tirelessly to track down Huizar and bring him to justice for the crimes he is accused of committing. The involvement of a former law enforcement officer in such heinous acts has put a spotlight on the importance of thorough background checks and monitoring of individuals in positions of authority.
