16-year-old Bridgeport suspect arrested in US97 homicide investigation

BRIDGEPORT — A 16-year-old male has been arrested in connection with the death of a man found in a vehicle along U.S. Highway 97 on Wednesday afternoon, according to new information released Thursday by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators served a search warrant early Nov. 13 at a residence in the 1400 block of Columbia Avenue in Bridgeport, about 40 miles from the scene of the crime.

The operation involved support from the Columbia River Drug Task Force, Grant County Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team, East Cascades SWAT, East Wenatchee Police Department, Washington State Patrol and Lifeline Ambulance. The juvenile was taken into custody on suspicion of second-degree murder.

The arrest follows the discovery of an unresponsive man inside a vehicle near milepost 228 on Nov. 12, roughly 7 miles south of the Beebe Bridge. Deputies, firefighters and EMS personnel attempted lifesaving measures but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators reported injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.

A section of U.S. 97 remained closed for several hours Wednesday while deputies documented the scene. WSDOT contractors established a temporary detour along a nearby loop road.

The Sheriff’s Office has not yet released the victim’s identity. The investigation remains active, and anyone with information is asked to contact RiverCom Dispatch at 509-663-9911.

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