Drive-by Shooting Suspect May Have Been Factor in Tension Between Mayor, Former Police Chief

A suspect in last week's drive by shooting has added another layer to the ongoing legal battle between Mattawa Mayor Maria Celaya and former Police Chief Joe Harris.

According to our news partner iFIBER ONE, 19-year-old Melchor Celaya is not only one of three suspects in a drive by shooting in Grant County May 20th, but he is also Mayor Celaya's nephew. Bill Gilbert, Harris' lawyer, claims Melchor Celaya's behavior prior to the shooting added to the tension between his client and the mayor.

In August of 2020, when Harris was police chief, a photo of some teens that were caught tagging buildings in Mattawa was posted by the police department. Melchor Celaya was identified as one of the tagging suspects.

Melchor Celaya has been charged with first-degree assault after last week's drive-by shooting.

Mayor Celaya placed Harris on administrative leave March 30th before firing him April 9th. Harris is now suing both Mayor Celaya and the City of Mattawa, alleging the mayor had been trying to force him out of his position since taking office last December. The city has stated that the decision to fire Harris was made "in good faith and for cause under the civil service rules" after affording Harris all the protections as a public employee. Mattawa officials deny any alleged discrimination or retaliation.