13-year-old accused of shooting 5 people at Washington Cinco de Mayo festival

SUNNYSIDE, Wash. (TCD) -- A 13-year-old male was taken into custody this week for allegedly opening fire at a rival gang during a local Cinco de Mayo festival.

The Yakima Herald-Republic reports the juvenile was recently booked into the Yakima County Juvenile Justice Center on five counts of first-degree assault. The boy, whose name was not released, is reportedly a member of the Sureño gang.

On Friday, May 6, shots broke out at approximately 4:45 p.m. as the teen allegedly aimed at members of a rival gang who were standing near the carnival section, according to the Yakima Herald-Republic. One adult and four children were struck, including a 7-year-old. The injuries were reportedly not life-threatening.

After the gunshots rang out, Sunnyside Police officers chased after some juveniles on foot as they ran towards a residence on the 600 block of Harrison Avenue, the Sunnyside Sun reports. Law enforcement officials from the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, Sunnyside Police Department, and Yakima Regional SWAT team assisted in creating a perimeter around the residence.

Five juveniles ultimately exited the residence and were taken into custody. They were all released to their parents later on.

The Yakima Herald-Republic reports the suspect allegedly discarded the gun and got picked up by his mom at the local Safeway. The boy’s mother reportedly said in court the teen had not left their home since the shooting.

Sunnyside City Manager Elizabeth Alba announced May 7 the festival would be canceled for the rest of the weekend "out of an abundance of caution for everyone."

Alba wrote, "The Cinco de Mayo Festival has a long history in Sunnyside as a safe and enjoyable family event and we are saddened by its abrupt end this weekend."

In the days leading up to the festival, photos showed carnival rides being set up, including a Ferris wheel.

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