Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker announced significant prison sentences in a federal court for two individuals involved in violent drug and firearm offenses. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Ray Anthony Wynecoop, 24, to 30 years, and Isaac Anthony Ott, 23, to 25 years. Both will also serve eight years of supervised release following their incarceration.
The sentences stem from a series of events beginning on December 11, 2021, when a Spokane Police Department (SPD) officer attempted a traffic stop on Wynecoop's vehicle, which was driving erratically. After a pursuit and crash, Wynecoop was apprehended, with a subsequent search revealing loaded firearms and narcotics in the vehicle.
Further crimes occurred on June 26, 2022, when Wynecoop and Ott committed several drive-by shootings, including targeting SPD officers. Wynecoop shot an officer, causing severe injuries, though the officer later recovered. A vehicle search uncovered firearms and a large quantity of fentanyl pills.
The case underscores the cooperative efforts of local and federal law enforcement, including the Spokane Police Department, the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, and the United States Attorney's Office. This teamwork proved essential in prosecuting the individuals for their crimes. Federal charges were filed alongside state charges, resulting in Wynecoop receiving a prior 65-year sentence and Ott receiving 40 years at the state level.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard Barker emphasized, “Notwithstanding their prior felony convictions, Wynecoop and Ott illegally possessed firearms with the express purpose of murdering Spokane Police.”
DEA Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge David F. Reames highlighted the combined impact of drug trafficking and violence: “Drug trafficking and gun violence too often goes hand-in-hand, as Mr. Ott and Mr. Wynecoop emphatically demonstrated.”
Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall commended law enforcement collaboration and response: “I am incredibly proud of the bravery, professionalism, and resilience shown by the involved officers, and deeply grateful for the seamless collaboration among our federal, state, and local partners.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Van Marter, in coordination with Preston McCollam from the Spokane Prosecutors Office.