Men Who Shot at WSP Trooper In Court, New Photos Released

The two men suspected of firing at a Washington State Patrol trooper last week near Grandview have appeared in court, and each is facing at least four serious felony charges.

Plus some new photos released of the inside the WSP patrol car that was hit by bullets.

Trooper Nathaniel Dawson, who was not injured in the assault, shared some photos with our news partner, KNDU-TV.  Included were new pictures of the interior of his patrol car. Several bullets fired by the suspects hit the windshield, and entered the vehicle, according to KNDU-TV.

Trooper Dawson attempted to pull the men over on State Route 241 last Monday when they fled. After a short chase, the men dumped their car near Forsell Road by Grandview, turned, and fired at the WSP patrol car. Dawson was able to take cover behind his car and was not hit. The two were arrested later in the week.

The two men, 39-year-old Felipe Cortes-Barajas of Grandview, and 18-year-old Manual Aviles of Mabton were charged in court last Friday with First Degree Assault, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, and Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. That last charge, in layman's terms, means the suspect is facing likely serious felony drug charges that usually result in lengthy prison terms. The men will be formally arraigned in court Nov. 9.