CLARKSTON, WA — In an unsettling encounter, three juvenile boys reported feeling “scared, intimidated, and nervous” after being allegedly threatened by a local man yesterday afternoon. The individual, identified as 34-year-old Zachary Dole of Clarkston, is accused of displaying what seemed to be a 9mm handgun by lifting his shirt during the confrontation.
The situation began around 4:17 p.m. when police were alerted to suspicious activity involving three juveniles riding scooters while wearing masks. Confronted by an observer who then called the authorities, the boys stated they were “doing business,” according to court records.
An encounter with an Asotin County Sheriff’s deputy occurred shortly after at 14th and Chestnut. The boys, found to be engaging in no illegal activities, were advised about street safety. They explained their masked appearance as “just their style,” as noted in a Probable Cause Affidavit.
The deputy was called back to the area shortly thereafter when the juveniles reported an earlier assault at the 600 block of 14th Street.
Following an investigation, Dole was charged with three counts of Harassment-Threats to Kill and one count of Assault in the 4th Degree and was booked into the Asotin County Jail at 5:45 p.m. According to court documents, Dole allegedly dismounted his motorcycle, physically accosted one of the juveniles by grabbing his face and eyes, and questioned his mask-wearing. Dole then purportedly threatened the boys with violence, indicating he would “blow your brain out” before departing the scene.
While one juvenile did not see a weapon, two others reported seeing a firearm, specifically identified by one as a “glock gun.”
An eyewitness driving past the scene described seeing a man in his 30s “fighting with the boys and acting angry.” She stopped to warn the boys after observing the individual circle back post-assault, during which they informed her of the gun threat.
Law enforcement was able to partially identify the motorcycle’s license plate from a photo taken by one of the boys, which also showed the alleged perpetrator wearing distinctive gray shoes and black socks.
Upon locating the motorcycle at Dole’s residence, deputies confronted him. Dole presented his driver’s license and concealed weapons permit, denying any aggressive actions towards the juveniles. He attributed the situation to a misunderstanding stemming from a friend’s earlier call to police about masked juveniles. Notably, Dole admitted to having consumed alcohol, and his previous interactions with law enforcement regarding firearm display were noted.
The deputies arrested Dole after verifying the juveniles’ account with additional witness testimony and recognizing him from the photo, confirming the continuity of his attire from the incident, particularly his shoes and socks.
About The Author
Leave a comment