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Police searching for ex-cop who allegedly killed ex-wife, girlfriend; abducted 1-year-old in Washington

Written by on April 23, 2024

(WEST RICHLAND, Wash.) — A former police officer remains on the run Tuesday after allegedly killing his ex-wife, his girlfriend and abducting a 1-year-old child in Washington state, according to authorities.

Elias Huizar allegedly killed a woman outside Wiley Elementary School on Monday afternoon, according to West Richland police.

Hours later, authorities said they found another homicide victim, “a known associate of the suspect,” while serving a search warrant at Huizar’s residence.

The victims were Huizar’s ex-wife, 31-year-old Amber Rodriguez, and current girlfriend, who was not identified by authorities, according to West Richland Police Department.

West Richland Police said Tuesday that Huizar and the abducted 1-year-old, Roman Huizar, remain missing.

Police Chief Thomas Grego said authorities are “making progress and will continue efforts until he’s located.” Grego also noted there are multiple agencies and significant resources involved in the ongoing investigation.

An Amber Alert was issued Monday following the alleged abduction and authorities did not elaborate on the connection between the suspect and child.

Police are searching for a silver, 2009 Toyota Corolla with Washington plates CBZ4745. Anyone who sees the suspect or the vehicle should call 911, police said.

On Tuesday morning, police said Huizar was possibly seen in Portland, Oregon, overnight, driving a black sedan. A clerk at a convenience store in the city called 911 just before 1 a.m. to report he believed Huizar had stopped to purchase a drink and had a child in the backseat of the car, Portland police told ABC News. Officers responded but did not locate Huizar, the child or the vehicle.

In addition to considering Huizar “armed” and “dangerous,” police said he is “likely to commit more crimes.”

Huizar served as a police officer in Yakima, Washington, from June 2013 to February 2022, the department said. He resigned “immediately following discipline,” a spokesperson for the department told ABC News. The department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the circumstances of the discipline.

“The tragedies we are learning about in West Richland are heartbreaking. Words cannot express the deep sympathy we feel for all affected by these terrible acts of violence,” Yakima Police Chief Matt Murray said in a statement. “We remain ready to assist in any way we are able.”

ABC News’ Mark Osborne contributed to this report.

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