Sheriff’s Office arrests second suspect, says Chelan shooting investigation remains active

CHELAN — A second person has been arrested in connection with the Jan. 23 downtown Chelan shooting that left a 22-year-old man with a gunshot wound.

According to an update released by the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, a 17-year-old male was taken into custody on the afternoon of Feb. 4 after detectives developed probable cause to believe he was directly involved in the shooting.

Criminal defense attorney Ronnie Rae, who said he represents the teen, previously told NCW News that the 17-year-old voluntarily surrendered at the Chelan County Regional Justice Center after learning that a warrant had been issued for his arrest. Rae said the teen admitted no wrongdoing and turned himself in solely to address the warrant, but law enforcement charged the teen with First Degree Assault.

In its Feb. 5 update, the sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active and that detectives have reason to believe others may have been involved in the incident. Officials said there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public.

The shooting occurred shortly before midnight on Jan. 23, when deputies responded to reports of gunfire in the 100 block of East Woodin Avenue. Upon arrival, deputies located a 22-year-old man on the sidewalk suffering from a gunshot wound. Chelan EMS provided on-site medical care before transporting the victim to Lake Chelan Hospital in stable condition.

During the initial response, witnesses reported seeing several individuals flee the area on foot. Deputies later identified a vehicle believed to be associated with the shooting near Riverwalk Park. An 18-year-old male passenger fled the vehicle but was quickly located and taken into custody without incident.

That individual was identified as Hector Valencia-Farias, 18, of Manson. He was booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center on charges including first-degree assault, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and possession of a controlled substance. He remains in custody.

The sheriff’s office said detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are seeking information related to the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 509-667-6845.

Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media