Teen Charged After Shots Fired In Parking Lot

    A Umatilla teenager is facing charges after reportedly firing shots at a light in the area of a Circle K convenience store at the intersection of SR 19 and CR 42 north of Umatilla. Noah Wheat, 18, of Umatilla and a juvenile were allegedly involved in the incident, which occurred just before midnight on Wednesday, January 19.
    Reports state Umatilla Police Department officers arrived at the convenience store in reference to a shooting in the parking lot. Upon arrival, officers made contact with Wheat, who initially stated several unknown individuals had fired shots at the store before driving off. Further investigation revealed several open cans of beer in Wheat’s truck, as well as unopened cans in the back seat of the truck. Additionally, several empty .22 short caliber bullet casings were seen behind the truck, as well as a box of .22 ammunition with unfired rounds.
    Wheat was taken into custody for possessing the beer.
    A continued investigation located a .22 pistol under the driver’s seat of the truck.
    Upon questioning, Wheat reportedly said the juvenile who was with him retrieved the revolver from the truck’s locked glove compartment and fired several shots at a light pole south of the parking lot. Under questioning, the juvenile said that both he and Wheat had fired the revolver. Store security camera footage appeared to show the juvenile and another person firing the gun, but not Wheat.
    Wheat was charged with disorderly intoxication, possession of alcoholic beverages by a person under the age of 21, contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a minor, and carrying a concealed weapon. He was jailed on a $4,000 bond.