May Kennewick Fatal Shooting Justified, Says Prosecutor

Wednesday, Benton County Prosecutor Andy Miller announced the results of his findings.

Miller said the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Roark Cook of Kennewick was justified after an exchange of gunfire with a Benton County deputy and a Richland police officer.

Roark was involved in a hostage situation at a Kennewick apartment complex, and ended up shooting at officers shortly after a hostage was able to be removed from the building. The incident occurred at the Mandarin Apartments May 4th.

The shooting has been officially labeled as a justifiable homicide.