Washington state lawmaker shares details of son’s shooting in drive-by

Rep. Tom Dent (R-Moses Lake) told The Center Square that his 32-year-old son was shot in a drive-by near his home.

Dent said that his son Monty had gone to Taco Bell in Moses Lake to get food for his family and was on his way home when he noticed two cars behaving erratically on the road. According to Dent, Monty said the cars followed him closely with high beams on.

“He brake-checked them, and they didn’t back off but pulled up alongside and started shooting,” Dent told The Center Square. “He felt a sting but didn’t know what was happening, but then realized he was probably shot, so he got off the road and got the car stopped.”

The shooter’s vehicle took off.

Lawmaker’s son injured after drive-by

Monty was hit in his left arm and back, but managed to pull over and call 911.

Emergency services arrived promptly, and Monty was taken to the hospital. One suspect has been arrested, but others remain free. A gun was recovered, and authorities are working to confirm if it was used in the shooting.

Dent described the panic he felt when he learned about the shooting, as he was on the House floor. Fellow lawmakers and staffers quickly mobilized to assist him, and the State Patrol arranged for a plane to transport him to Spokane, where Monty was airlifted for treatment.

“They would not let me drive anywhere, and they told me State Patrol already had pilots on the way to the airport,” Dent said.

Monty has since been recovering at his parents’ home. Dent expressed gratitude for the swift response from law enforcement and medical professionals. He also noted the outpouring of support from the community and fellow legislators.

The investigation is ongoing.

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