Graffiti and shooting at elementary school; arrest in East Wenatchee | Columbia Basin

EAST WENATCHEE – On May 14, East Wenatchee police responded to reports of graffiti vandalism at Lee Elementary School. Officers discovered blue gang-related graffiti defaced several portable classrooms and a fence near the school.

During the investigation, victims reported hearing gunshots near the school, which may be related to the graffiti incident. Upon reviewing video surveillance footage from the school, officers observed two suspects spray painting the school and firing a firearm on the property. The video also showed the suspects leaving a nearby home prior to the incident.

Three days later, on May 17, 2024, East Wenatchee Police, with assistance from the East Cascade SWAT team, executed a search warrant on a residence in the 1300 block of Clements Circle. During the search, a pistol modified to full automatic was discovered, as well as gang and graffiti paraphernalia. However, the suspects were not present at the time.

The investigation took a significant turn on May 31, 2024, when members of the Columbia River Drug Taskforce received a tip on the whereabouts of a suspect. The suspect, 18-year-old Enrique Torres of East Wenatchee, was found in a residence in the 1000 block of North Devon Avenue. Officers surrounded the residence and were able to arrest the suspect without incident.

The suspect was booked into the Chelan County Regional Jail on several charges, including first-degree illegal possession of a firearm, pointing or discharging a firearm, dangerous weapon, second-degree malicious damage to property (gang-related graffiti), possession of dangerous weapons on school property, and illegal possession of a fully automatic firearm.

The investigation is ongoing and authorities are asking anyone with information about this case to contact RiverCom at 509-663-9911 or 24E02758.