Mistrial in rape trial of ex-Pasco police officer Richard Aguirre

PASCO – A mistrial has been declared in a case involving a 52-year-old former Pasco police officer.

The Tri-City Herald reported a jury said on Friday it couldn’t agree on a verdict in the trial of Richard Aguirre, who was accused of rape and assault.

Superior Court Judge Bruce Spanner then declared a mistrial. It will be up to prosecutors to decide whether to re-try Aguirre or dismiss the case.

A woman in her 20s told jurors she met Aguirre for dinner in November 2014 and that they had drinks at two other locations with the woman’s cousin and his wife.

The woman testified she thought it was safe to spend the night at Aguirre’s Pasco residence instead of driving home and said she awoke to him sexually assaulting her.

Aguirre denied any sexual contact with the woman.