
- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
Residents on the Colville Indian Reservation were breathing a sigh of relief this weekend after three suspects were arrested on Friday after the reservation was rocked by the news of two killings on Thursday in the Keller District, one of the reservation’s residential communities.
On Thursday, Colville Tribal Police officers responded to a shooting call in Keller. Once on the shooting scene, tribal officers found two people dead. A tribal officer pursued a vehicle that was seen leaving the shooting scene. While in pursuit, the unidentified Colville Tribal officer was shot in the arm.
According to a news release issued by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the tribal officer sustained a non-life threatening injury. The identity of the officer was not announced.
Two suspects, Curry Pinkham and Zachary Holt, were arrested on Friday morning. A third unidentified suspect was taken into custody later on Friday.
After the arrests were made, Colville Confederated Tribes Chairman Jarred-Michael Erickson sought to reassure Colville tribal citizens late Friday by telling them it was safe to return to their normal activities.
He also said details of the tragic events are still being assembled as law enforcement continues its investigation.
“I also want to thank our community, including our tribal members and non-tribal residents. This has been a difficult time…but despite the worry and disruption, our community banded together. Many people called in tips and helped law enforcement make these arrests. We grieve the loss of life and pray for the families of the victims,” Erickson said.
Ten law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Washington State Police and Border Patrol, assisted in the investigation and arrests of the suspects.
Police have not released motives for the two killings.
The Colville Indian Reservation is located in the northeastern part of the state of Washington. The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation reports it has 9,432 enrolled tribal citizens.
More Stories Like This
Gun Lake Casino Toys for Tots Charity Event Runs Dec. 1-16A Message from EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows for 2023 Native American Heritage Month
Today is Native American Women's Equal Pay Day. Here's Why It Matters.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 230 Cheyenne & Arapaho Massacred at Sand Creek
Native ‘water warriors’ took to canoes during recent Port of Tacoma protest. Here’s why
Together, we can educate, enlighten, and empower.
November is celebrated as “Native American Heritage Month.” At Native News Online, we amplify Native voices and share our relatives’ unique perspectives every day of the year. We believe every month should celebrate Native American heritage.If you appreciate our commitment to Native voices and our mission to tell stories that connect us to our roots and inspire understanding and respect, we hope you will consider making a donation this month to support our work. For those who commit to a recurring donation of $12 per month or more, or make a one-time donation of $150 or greater, we're excited to offer you a copy of our upcoming Indian Boarding School publication and access to our quarterly Founder’s Circle meetings and newsletter.