What Triggered Man’s Rampant Shooting, Arson Spree From Finley to W Richland?

Authorities have not released the ID of the man accused of fatally shooting four people, burning down at least two homes and setting other multiple fires during an early morning spree that started Wednesday in Finley and ended on Van Giesen near West Richland.

According to reports, the 43-year-old man set fire to two union halls besides the homes, and also allegedly lit several small fires alongside a road.

The incidents began with what appeared to be a break-in at a home belonging to a former Zip's Restaurant owner named Emil Zlatich Jr. who was found dead in his home in Finley.

It was around 4 AM when the call came in about that incident, his son was reportedly shot and hurt. His one was one of two that were found by Police to be on fire in the 21000 block of Finley Road.  A truck was missing from the neighbor's home, one of two that was on fire.

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The older orange Dodge truck was later spotted in West Richland, but prior to that around 4:10AM a series of grass fires were reported along Highway 397, then calls came in from officials saying the IBEW labor hall on North Edison had been set on fire as well as the IBEW local 112 training building on west Gage. Both facilities had sprinkler systems that minimized the damage.

Finally the truck was spotted around 6:30 AM on Van Giesen approaching West Richland. It apparently slowed, then somehow caught fire. The man reportedly fired several rounds from the truck, and fire was returned by four officers, one from West Richland PD, a Pasco Officer and two Benton County Deputies.

The truck became engulfed in flames and explosions were said to be heard, believed to be ammunition inside. The driver was found dead, but authorities didn't say if he had been shot or died from the flames.

Following this incident, officials learned two people were found dead in a home in the 4300 block of Gum Street. Authorities say the two persons inside had the same last name as the suspect being sought in the spree, the Tri City Herald reported neighbors said they were the man's parents.

the investigation continues, much more information is expected to be released.