Second night of rumored riots doesn’t materialize

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- Rumored threats of a second night of attempts at rioting in Kennewick did not materialize Monday night in Kennewick.

Early in the evening, Lt. Aaron Clem with the Kennewick Police Department confirmed to Newsradio 610 KONA that they had heard about plans to gather at Best Buy on Canal Dr. starting at 10:00pm Monday.

Kennewick Police officers, Benton County Sheriff's deputies, and a number of armed citizens showed up in force, ready to protect businesses from vandalism and looting.

Armed citizens were also positioned outside of several gun shops throughout Kennewick, and supported law enforcement officers in downtown Kennewick.

"We didn't have a single clash with anyone trying to cause trouble," said Officer Cory McGee.

There was a burglary overnight at a coffee stand in Kennewick, but McGee said it appeared to be an isolated incident, and not connected to any efforts to protest or riot.

The scene in the area of Canal Dr. and Columbia Center Blvd. wasn't quite as calm Sunday night, when a handful of demonstrators tossed fireworks in the parking lot of Burlington Coat Factory, and damaged three businesses in the area.

One person was arrested as a result of that incident, which police say was short-lived because there was a heavy police presence.

There have been several peaceful demonstrations in Richland, Pasco, and Kennewick over the past few days.

Protestors held a demonstration in front of the Kennewick Police Department Monday morning, following a demonstration Sunday in Pasco that moved to the Pasco Police Department parking lot, and another that had protestors lining George Washington Way in Richland Saturday.

In each of those events, there were no reports of violence or damage to businesses.