Ritzville Officer vital in arrest of violent offender

RITZVILLE – Local police officer Matt Carlson put himself in the right place - just in time - when a call for back-up was put out by the Washington State Patrol late Saturday night, Aug. 22.

Trooper Cody Pierce was on a traffic stop on westbound 1-90 about three miles east of Ritzville, when an armed, 19-year-old driver allegedly become violent; resulting in a multi-agency response.

"Officer Matt Carlson responded to the scene and provided vital assistance to Trooper Pierce, while also ensuring the suspect was safely taken into custody," Washington State Patrol Captain Jeffrey M. Otis stated i...