Kittitas Deputy Shot With Arrow While on Duty in Ellensburg

A frightening incident happened in Ellensburg yesterday when the Kittitas Sheriffs department were called out to a residence to investigate a man who was threatening people at the residence, that's when the unthinkable happened...

According to a press release from the Kittitas County Sheriff's office here's what happened:

Kittitas County Press Release
Sheriff
Deputy Shot with Hunting Arrow while investigating Mental Health Call.
Kittitas County, WA - 08/27/2019 -

Corporal James Woody was transported by ambulance from the scene after being shot in the left shoulder by 41 year old Michael Chenoweth of Ellensburg. A Tactical Team later negotiated a peaceful surrender and Mr. Chenoweth was taken into custody.

Around 3:00 PM this afternoon deputies responded to the Chenoweth residence, 3 miles north-east of Ellensburg, at the request of the local mental health department for a subject threatening residents on the property. They requested assistance with Mr. Chenoweth, as he was said to have fought with law enforcement in the past.

When Cpl. Woody opened the door, he was immediately struck with a hunting arrow in his left shoulder. The deputies secured the residence, called for a tactical unit and attempted to establish communications.

Per Undersheriff Myers, "Cpl. Woody was very fortunate, the arrow appeared to have hit at enough of an angle when it struck the bone, it transitioned away instead of driving straight in. The Doctor was able to sew him up and release him. This is another unfortunate incident which illustrates the the need for better solutions for our citizens who are affected by mental illness. Law enforcement has to respond to these calls but, unfortunately, most of the time the people involved are already in crisis. and that puts our officers and the citizen at great risk."