Missing Colville tribal member located, reported safe
GABRIEL DAVIS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 6 months AGO
Gabriel Davis is a resident of Othello who enjoys the connections with his sources. Davis is a graduate of Northwest Nazarene University where he studied English and creative writing. During his free time, he enjoys reading, TV, movies and games – anything with a good story, though he has a preference for science fiction and crime. He covers the communities on the south end of Grant County and in Adams County. | May 2, 2024 4:35 PM
NESPELEM — Colville tribal member Amanda Pakootas, who was missing and reported by police to be held against her will, was located Monday night in Spokane and is reported to be safe, according to an announcement from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.
Pakootas’ disappearance was investigated beginning Saturday, with police believing her to be held by Joseph Parisien, according to the statement. She was located near E. 4th Street and Nelson in Spokane. Joseph Parisien was taken into custody Tuesday night.
The statement said Amanda’s family wishes to thank the law enforcement officers who investigated the case and ultimately found Amanda, including the Colville Tribal Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Washington State Patrol, the Spokane County Police, the Airway Heights Police, the Spokane Tribal Police and the Kalispel Tribal Police.
According to the announcement, the family also wishes to acknowledge HEROS, the Find Me Group, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, the victim advocacy groups that assisted and supported the family during the investigation. The statement said they especially wish to acknowledge Detective Jordan McNulty of the Colville Tribal Police for her efforts during the investigation.
The Chairman of the Colville Confederated Tribes, Jarred-Michael Erickson, commented on the investigation.
“We are very grateful that Amanda was located and returned safely to her family,” he said in the statement. “I want to join Amanda’s family in praising the efforts of Detective McNulty and the other officers of the Colville Tribal Police and the other law enforcement organizations who worked on this case. I also want to thank our entire community for getting the word out and sharing information. Keeping tribal members safe is a top priority for the Colville Business Council, as is seeking justice for those who threaten tribal members.”
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