Kennewick Man Accused of Killing Everett Police Officer Had 18 Felonies

The man accused of killing an Everett Police Officer had 18 felonies.

The suspect was wanted on outstanding warrants for his arrest. 52-year old Richard James Rotter is reportedly from Kennewick and had hundreds of contacts with Kennewick Police over the last several years. Rotter is accused in the shooting death of Everett Police Officer Dan Rocha.

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The suspect shot the 41-year old Police Officer several times.

Officer Rocha came into contact with Rotter in the parking lot of a Starbucks at around 2 pm on Friday after "suspicious behavior" was reported. Rotter is accused of shooting Officer Rocha several times. The suspect then ran over Rocha with his vehicle before speeding off. Rotter was eventually taken into custody after a two-and-a-half-mile chase. He struck several vehicles attempting to elude police.

According to reports, Rotter was out of prison on inactive supervision.

Rotter had outstanding warrants for his arrest. One was for a domestic violence assault and the other was for a hit-and-run incident. Both warrants were from Benton County.

Rotter has a lengthy criminal record going back to 2004.

In 2019, Rotter was captured by a Franklin County Deputy after attempting to elude the officer. After investigation, it was determined that Rotter was wanted on a warrant for possession of controlled substances and hit-and-run. In 2016, Rotter led police on a chase in Kennewick. The chase was terminated for safety.

Rotter is now charged with murder and unlawful possession of a firearm. If convicted, he faces life in prison.

Officer Dan Rocha Joined the Everett Police Department in 2017. He left behind a wife and two sons. The Everett Police Department is asking for donations to a memorial fund. All money will go to honoring Rocha. You can make donations below.