SIU Report Says February Shooting by Richland Police Justified

The Special Investigations Unit has released their findings from a lengthy look at a Richland Police shooting from February.

Officer Christian Jabri was responding to an accident call February 1st when 33-year-old Charlie J. Suarez had been driving on Wellsian Way then crashed and flipped his car. The shooting occurred near Duportail and State Route 240

Upon arrival Officers found he'd fled the scene. Officer Jabri was searching along the walking trails alongside the road when he spotted the suspect.

Jabri fired several rounds at Suarez, hitting him in the leg and hip. Investigators say Jabri had just cause because of threatening behavior by the suspect.

According to court documents and previous reports, Suarez has a lengthy history of confrontational behavior with law enforcement, including an incident in 2019 when after threatening a woman and her children, not only violating a no-contact order, but then leading Pasco Police on a wild chase that endangered other drivers.

When finally stopped, he charged at the Pasco Officer and they ended up on the ground fighting before he was finally subdued.

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The SIU report released by Richland Police Tuesday, August 17 read as follows:

"The Richland Police Department has completed its administrative review of the officer-involved shooting which occurred on February 1, 2021, on the bike path near Duportail St. and SR-240. It has been determined the shooting was within policy.  Officer Christian Jabri’s decisions were determined to be reasonable and in response to a perceived immediate threat to his life. 

A Firearms Review Board was convened to conduct the administrative investigation, following receipt of the completed Special Investigations Unit (SIU) investigation in late June.  The Firearms Review Board consisted of five members of different ranks and areas of expertise from within the department and the City.  Upon unanimous agreement by the Board, a recommendation was then provided to the Chief of Police.

The completed SIU case is currently under review by the Benton County Prosecuting Attorney Andy Miller. No timeline for the decision has been announced.

Chief John Bruce has reviewed the SIU case and considered the recommendation of the Firearms Review Board.  He has full confidence that Officer Jabri’s actions were appropriate, legal, and within policy.  As such, Officer Jabri will be returned to work immediately."