A man suspected of killing two women and abducting his infant son took his own life along Interstate 5 just north of Eugene, police said Tuesday.
Elias Huizar was suspected of killing his ex-wife at an elementary school in West Richland, Washington and another woman at his nearby home. On Monday, he fled the state with his 1-year-old son, Roman Santos.
In a press conference in Eugene Tuesday evening, Oregon State Police Captain Kyle Kennedy said police caught sight of Huizar’s vehicle outside of Eugene. After a high speed chase, he crashed and exchanged gunfire with the state police. He fled and crashed his vehicle again.
Kennedy said officers found Huizar dead in his vehicle from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. His infant son was found unharmed and is now in state custody.
"All day our thoughts have been how to rescue this young boy from a very very dangerous situation,” Kennedy said. “That's been the focus of our efforts and we're thankful for the outcome that occurred, (and for) the collaboration and the cooperation of all these agencies coming together."
Huizar is a former police officer with the Yakima Police Department. According to a statement released Tuesday, he left after disciplinary actions were taken against him in 2021.
Kennedy said no other motorists were injured in the crash or gunfire. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is investigating Huizar’s death.
Benton County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Eisinger told reporters in West Richland Tuesday that Huizar had been out on bail for two counts of child rape.
Original Story
The hunt for a man suspected of killing two people in West Richland, Washington, is over. It appears he shot himself along Interstate 5 outside of Eugene, around 3 p.m. Tuesday. His 1-year-old son was unharmed, police say.
The man accused is 39-year old Elias Huizar. West Richland police said the suspect's current condition is unknown.
Huizar allegedly killed his ex-wife at an elementary school, and another person in a nearby neighborhood. The chase involved several police and federal agencies including the FBI. Huizar shot himself in the head at the end of the car chase near Eugene, police say. The incident caused significant traffic back-ups on the highway on Tuesday afternoon.
