EPHRATA – One man is dead and another is being held at the Grant County Jail after a shooting at about 7:40 p.m. at the Hawk Fuel station in Ephrata on Sunday. Investigators say the incident began with an altercation at the fuel pumps that led to gunfire.  

“There was a disturbance and gunfire at the gas pumps,” Ephrata PD Cpt. Troy Froewiss said at the scene. “One male subject is deceased, and we don’t have an identity yet at this time.”   

Ephrata Police Department Chief Erik Koch said that, while the family has been informed of the victim’s death, investigators are waiting to release his identity pending an autopsy.  

Eriberto Mendoza, 30, of Ephrata, is being held at the Grant County Jail pending one charge of murder in the second degree per the jail’s roster. According to authorities, Mendoza initially fled the area in a gray 2019 Toyota Tacoma. Soon after, he contacted 911 and turned himself in. A firearm was discovered during his arrest.

Grant County Sheriff's Office deputies made the arrest, City Administrator Ray Towry said.

A passenger in Mendoza’s vehicle was initially taken into custody as a possible accomplice for questioning. Koch said it was then discovered that the male passenger had been shot in the thigh and was taken to Columbia Basin Hospital for treatment. The passenger was later released from custody after questioning. 

Investigators were initially unaware that the passenger had been wounded when asked about it Sunday night, prior to Mendoza turning himself in. Area residents had been asked to stay away from the fuel station Sunday night as first responders processed the scene. 

Koch said Mendoza and the victim knew each other prior to the incident, and what began as a verbal conflict escalated after weapons were drawn. Investigators do not believe the incident was gang-related, and there is no current threat to the public.  

One witness said she saw someone administering CPR to the victim shortly before 8 p.m. as first responders tried to save him. 

A Monday press release from the city of Ephrata indicated the victim had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. 

Koch expressed sympathy for those affected by the incident. 

“It’s just an unfortunate incident all the way around,” Koch said.  

GCSO, Washington State Patrol, Ephrata Fire Department, Lifeline Ambulance Services and MACC 911 assisted with the incident Sunday evening, Koch said.