Benton City, WA – A woman was arrested Thursday afternoon after allegedly threatening Benton County Sheriff’s Deputies with a pair of pliers during a drug-related investigation in Benton City. Authorities say the woman became combative and resisted arrest instead of cooperating with officers.
The Incident: Suspicious Vehicle Leads to Confrontation
Deputies responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle parked in the 100 block of Babs Avenue in Benton City. When they arrived, they found a man and a woman asleep inside the car.
Upon inspecting the vehicle, officers noticed clear evidence of drug paraphernalia in plain sight. As deputies approached, the pair woke up — and the situation quickly escalated.
According to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, the woman began yelling aggressively and armed herself with a pair of pliers, threatening to attack deputies who were attempting to detain her.
Investigation and Arrest
Deputies reported that the woman demanded a knife from the male passenger, though he refused to hand one over. Officers then moved in to de-escalate the situation, eventually taking the woman into custody without further injury.
She was arrested on multiple charges, including assaulting an officer and obstructing a law enforcement investigation. The vehicle was impounded and will undergo a search warrant-based investigation due to the presence of drug-related evidence.
“The female suspect was taken into custody after threatening deputies with a dangerous tool,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “The scene was secured safely without serious injury.”
Charges and Next Steps
Officials have not yet released the woman’s name or the exact list of charges pending review by the Benton County Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities confirmed that drug possession and paraphernalia charges are likely to be included.
The male passenger has not been charged at this time. Deputies stated that he cooperated with law enforcement during the arrest and was released from the scene, though the investigation is ongoing.
The car, now impounded, will be searched for controlled substances or additional evidence once investigators obtain a warrant.
Background and Law Enforcement Response
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that drug-related calls in the area have been on the rise. Incidents involving weapons and aggressive suspects during these investigations have become increasingly dangerous for responding officers.
Law enforcement officials are urging residents to report suspicious vehicles or behavior immediately rather than approaching potentially dangerous individuals.
This case also underscores the ongoing issue of drug abuse and related violence in smaller Washington communities, where law enforcement continues to combat the spread of illegal substances.
Ongoing Investigation
The suspect remains in custody at the Benton County Jail, awaiting formal charges and a court appearance. Officials have confirmed that further details will be released as the search warrant and forensic tests on the seized items are completed.
Authorities say the case is still active, and additional arrests could follow depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Conclusion
The quick response of Benton County deputies prevented what could have become a violent confrontation. As the investigation continues, officials hope the arrest sends a message about the risks of drug-related offenses and the importance of cooperation with law enforcement.
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