Gang members suspected of gunning down Tri-Cities man in troubled WinCo neighborhood
A 40-year-old father was killed by gang members in a drive-by shooting in Kennewick on Sunday night, say police.
Several people reported hearing gunfire on the 600 block of Tweedt Street about 10:40 p.m. Sunday, Kennewick police said in a news release. When officers arrived, they found Arthur Amaya with multiple gunshot wounds. He died at the scene.
Amaya was in the breezeway of the apartment complex when he got into an argument with the gang members, Commander Christian Walters told the Tri-City Herald. They responded by opening fire.
It’s not clear why the gang members were at the apartment complex.
Family members on the scene said Amaya is not involved in gangs, police said.
Public records say that Amaya lived in an apartment at 619 North Tweedt. Online court records show he has no criminal history other than a 20-year-old charge of being a minor in control of a car after drinking.
According to social media posts, he was married with children. He was also active in practicing his religion.
Officers are continuing to investigate the shooting and are asking anyone with information to contact police using the non-emergency line at 509-628-0333. They can also leave an anonymous tip at www.kpdtips.com.
The area, which is about a block away from WinCo Foods, has seen several gang-related shootings in recent months.
Two rival gang members allegedly traded shots on Clearwater Avenue near WinCo on May 23.
Then on June 5, gang members opened fire on rivals on the 6000 block of Canal Drive.
On June 30, Aaron Lighthall, 25, allegedly opened fire on a truck on Clearwater Avenue and one person was cut by flying debris.
This is the 10th homicide of the year in Benton County, tying this year as the second most deadly year in recent history.
