Ray Anthony Wynecoop, a Spokane resident, has pleaded guilty to federal drug and firearm charges stemming from his involvement in two separate incidents, including a premeditated attempt to kill a Spokane Police Officer.
On June 26, 2024, Wynecoop pleaded guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl, one count of Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime, and one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke accepted Wynecoop’s guilty plea and scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 25, 2024, in Spokane, Washington.
The first incident occurred on December 11, 2021, when an SPD officer observed Wynecoop, who was driving a white Dodge Charger with no license plates, fail to use a turn signal. Instead of stopping, Wynecoop began driving erratically in an attempt to elude SPD, including driving at excessive speeds on residential streets. A short time later SPD located the Dodge Charger and observed that it had been involved in a crash. Wynecoop attempted to run from the scene but was arrested.
During a search of the Charger, law enforcement located a loaded 9mm pistol with a black laser mounted on the end of the barrel, a backpack with Wynecoop’s ID and two more lasers for the pistol. Officers also located a .380 semi-automatic pistol inside the vehicle, as well as a fanny pack that contained one ounce of heroin and fentanyl laced pills.
The second incident occurred on June 26, 2022, when Wynecoop was armed with a .22 caliber pistol that had a loaded drum-style high-capacity magazine seated in the firearm. Wynecoop, along with another man, were involved in multiple drive-by shootings. Based upon video evidence, they intentionally set out to locate a police officer and kill them. Wynecoop and his passenger began to follow a SPD officer and when a second officer came to their aid, Wynecoop opened fire, shooting the officer in the leg and the head.
On April 5, 2024, Wynecoop was sentenced in Washington State Court to more than 65 years in prison on multiple charges in connection to the shooting. The federal case was brought during the pendency of those state charges.
“The violence in this case is shocking. Mr Wynecoop, a felon who was not allowed to possess firearms, went on a violent criminal spree that included a premeditated attempt to kill a police officer. His blatant disregard for the law and the safety of our community put all of us at incredible risk,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref. “I am grateful for the brave men and women of law enforcement who place themselves in harm’s way every day to keep us safe from individuals taking dangerous actions like Mr. Wynecoop.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and the Spokane Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter.
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Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Category: Violent Crime|Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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