Law Enforcement Reports
The following law enforcement reports were posted Tuesday, July 14, 2026:
EPHRATA POLICE
A two-vehicle, non-injury collision was reported at 7:59 a.m. Monday, July 13, in the 100 block of E Street S.W. A 30-year-old Grant Transit Authority driver from Moses Lake was picking up a passenger when his bus sideswiped a parked 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup, which sustained minor damage. The driver remained at the scene, notified police, and provided insurance information that an officer then submitted to the wife of the truck owner.
A report of suspicious circumstances was received at 1:29 a.m. Monday in the 700 block of Basin Street S.W. Police were informed that a male subject carrying a baseball bat was observed on the complainant’s property. An officer contacted the man and safely transported him back to his own residence.
While on patrol at 6:55 p.m. Sunday, July 12, an officer observed a wanted subject walking in the 800 block of Basin Street S.W. James Eugene Bortz, 58, Ephrata, was taken into custody on outstanding court warrants and booked into the Grant County Jail.
A theft was reported at 3:03 p.m. Sunday in the 1300 block of Nat Washington Way. Police were told a male subject previously banned from Walmart properties was observed in the Ephrata store. An officer located the man near the intersection of D Street and Eighth Avenue S.E. Vitaly Pluschakov, 38, Spokane, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree burglary and booked into the county jail.
While on patrol at 12:50 a.m. Sunday in the 300 block of Basin Street S.W., an officer observed a vehicle traveling with a non-functioning brake light, cracked windshield, and no license plate. The driver, identified as 38-year-old David L. Walker of Ephrata, was cited for driving with a suspended license. The vehicle was towed.
Following a traffic stop at 6:44 p.m. Saturday, July 11, near the intersection of State Route 282 and Nat Washington Way, 31-year-old Tyler S. Redin of Ephrata was cited for driving with a suspended license.
A mental disorder incident was reported at 11:15 a.m. Saturday in the 200 block of Nat Washington Way. Police were told that a male patient placed on a mental health hold at Columbia Basin Hospital had fled on foot while naked. The man was later located and transported for medical care.
A traffic complaint was received at 12:12 a.m. Saturday in the first block of Linda Ridge Loop. Police said an unoccupied vehicle was observed parked in the street several feet from the curb and blocking the travel lane. An officer received no answer after contacting an associated residence. The vehicle was towed from the scene.
A two-vehicle, non-injury collision was reported at 12:33 p.m. Friday, July 10, in the 300 block of Basin Street S.W. Police said Heber V. Hernandez Vasquez, 40, East Wenatchee, was driving a 2009 Chevy pickup which struck the rear of a boat trailer and 2015 Dodge Ram pickup driven by Curtis D. Green, 68, Renton.
A physical altercation was reported at 9:47 p.m. Thursday, July 9, in the 1200 block of Cottage Street S.E. The complainant told police that he had been punched on the chin by a neighbor. But officers later determined the complainant was carrying a pair of chain-stick “nunchucks” and possibly a stun gun when he advanced toward the neighbor during a verbal argument, then broke a window in the 65-year-old man’s vehicle. Ultimately, no criminal charges were requested in the dispute, police said.
A theft was reported at 6:57 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, in the 1300 block of Nat Washington Way. Police were told that a male subject attempted to steal merchandise from the Ephrata Walmart after previously being trespassed from the property. The items were recovered and Ruben Sabedra, 37, Moses Lake, was arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of second-degree burglary.
SOAP LAKE POLICE
A burglary was reported at 11:22 a.m. Sunday, July 12 in the 500 block of Second Avenue S.W. Police responded to a break-in at Soap Lake High School/Middle School. Entry was apparently gained through an unlocked classroom window and two other interior windows were broken. No suspects were immediately identified. Missing items included keys and a key fob for school doors, cameras, and video gaming equipment. Ephrata police and Grant County sheriff’s deputies assisted in the response.
A disturbance was reported at 7:17 p.m. Saturday, July 11, in the 200 block of Moses Lake Avenue NW in Lakeview Park. Police and sheriff’s deputies responded and determined a male subject at the scene was wanted on an outstanding court warrant. Michael Douglas Wenz, 46, Ephrata, was taken into custody and booked into the Grant County Jail.
A domestic disturbance was reported at 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 5, in the 19000 block of Road Division.2-NW. Police were told a 29-year-old Moses Lake man had damaged a chair and a heater at the location, then left the scene. A report will be submitted to the Grant County Prosecutor’s Office for consideration of a malicious mischief charge against the suspect.
Following two separate traffic stops, the following subjects were cited for driving with suspended licenses: William Bourdeau, 45, Ephrata, and Lluvia Echevarria, 46, Seattle.
GRANT COUNTY SHERIFF
A domestic disturbance was reported at 4:39 p.m. Monday, July 13, at a location in the Grand Coulee area. Deputies were told that a couple had been drinking and both sustained blood lips following a physical altercation in a parked vehicle. Isaiah Alanza Espersen, 22, Grand Coulee, was arrested on suspicion of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence) and booked into the Grant County Jail.
While on patrol at 1:53 p.m. Sunday, July 12, a deputy said a motorist was observed passing recklessly and traveling over 90 mph in the 14300 block of State Route 243 South near Wanapum Dam. Ryder Ross Risdon, 21, of Ronald, was arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of reckless driving.
A domestic disturbance was reported at 11:08 p.m. Saturday, July 11, in the 16200 block of Road 1-NW near George. Authorities were told that a male subject had struck a 14-year-old female family member. Angel Diego Encizo, 33, Quincy, was arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence) and unlawful display of a weapon.
A domestic disturbance was reported at 7:27 p.m. Saturday the 100 block of Road 19-NW. The complainant said she was hit in the face and dragged by the hair by her roommate. Jennifer Leann Cook, 31, Soap Lake, was arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence).
A physical disturbance was reported at 3:40 p.m. Saturday in the 10200 block of Kinder Road NE. Authorities received a phone call in which screaming could be heard in the background and someone saying a female subject needed to leave. Deputies responded to the location and arrested Genavieve Noel Scheideman, 31, Moses Lake, on suspicion of fourth-degree assault, fourth-degree assault (domestic violence), and an outstanding district court warrant. Scheidemen was booked into the county jail.
A domestic disturbance was reported at 11:16 p.m. Friday, July 10, in the 100 block of Schilling Drive NE. Authorities were told that a male subject had thrown a female family member to the ground. Thomas David Hanson, 56, Moses Lake, was arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence).
While on patrol at 11:04 p.m. Thursday, July 9, a deputy observed a motorist driving at a slow speed and veering across the center lane near the intersection of Larson Boulevard and West Craig Street. Following a traffic stop, Jose Urias Cordova, 29, Moses Lake, was cited on suspicion of driving under the influence.
A verbal disturbance was reported at 4:52 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, in the 400 block of South Frontage Road West near a truck stop in George. Authorities were told that a male subject was yelling at people in public while his pants were pulled down and children were present. Deputies arrested Tylor Magee, 32, described as homeless, on suspicion of indecent exposure and booked him into the county jail.
At 8:53 a.m. Wednesday, deputies located a wanted person at the Cougar Campers RV Park in the 14900 block of Fifth Street NE. Matthew James Valenzuela, 41, Moses Lake, was arrested on an outstanding district court warrant, possession of a dangerous weapon, and possession of a controlled substance. He was booked into the county jail.
At 7:08 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, authorities were told that a bleeding man was observed in the 4100 block of Orchard Drive NE near Moses Lake and female subject was seen fleeing in a vehicle. A suspect, 33-year-old Noemi Zulema Ramirez of Moses Lake, was later located and arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault and two counts of third-degree assault for allegedly resisting arrest and causing minor injuries to deputies. She was booked into the county jail.
A traffic accident was reported at 5:58 p.m. July 7 near the intersection of Morgan Road and Potato Hill Road NE. Authorities were told a 71-year-old Moses Lake woman had a medical emergency while driving and her vehicle struck a power pole.
A domestic disturbance was reported at 3:36 p.m. July 7 in the 1100 block of Mather Drive NE. Authorities were told that a female subject had been “verbal” with children and allegedly became physical because of a visit from state Child Protective Services. Rita Gabriella Lozano, 23, Moses Lake, was arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence).
During an open investigation by officers with the Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team, Dylan Mitchell Renz, 28, no town listed, was arrested and booked into jail on July 7 on suspicion of possession, manufacturing or distribution of a controlled substance.
CORRECTION:
A Grant County Sheriff’s Office spokesman incorrectly reported that Darrell Gustin, 45, Ephrata, was arrested July 1 and booked into jail on a domestic assault charge.
A summary of the incident with the false information regarding Mr. Gustin was contained in a law enforcement report published by GCJ.news on Tuesday, July 7. That reference has been removed from the report below.
In a statement issued to GCJ.news on July 8, the sheriff’s office said the provided information was incorrect and acknowledged that Mr. Gustin was not arrested for any crime.
The following law enforcement reports were posted Tuesday, July 7, 2026:
EPHRATA POLICE
A two-vehicle, non-injury collision was reported at 2:09 p.m. Monday, July 6, on North Alder Street. Police said Janice L. Yates, 65, Ephrata, was making a left turn onto Seventh Avenue N.W. when her 1998 Dodge pickup was struck by a 2016 Chevrolet pickup driven by David N. Pruneda, 24, Warden, who was attempting to pass Yates. Following the impact, Pruneda’s truck then veered into a light pole and a fence, the report stated. Both vehicles sustained reportable damage and were towed from the scene. Pruneda was cited for second-degree negligent driving, police said.
A hit-and-run collision involving occupied vehicles was reported at 6:04 p.m. Sunday, July 5, in the 200 block of D Street S.W. Police were told that an unknown driver in a larger black truck failed to yield the right-of-way, struck the back end of another vehicle, then fled the scene. The second vehicle sustained damage due to airbag deployment, but remained drivable.
A residential burglary was reported at 3:51 p.m. Sunday, July 5, in the 600 block of Eighth Avenue N.E. The complainant said his family returned home from a weekend camping trip and found their house ransacked. Entry was gained by breaking a rear sliding-glass door with a rock. Stolen items included three handguns in a desktop safe, a collection of $2 bills, a virtual-reality headset and other possessions. Partial fingerprints were obtained but no suspects were immediately identified.
At 10:19 a.m. Sunday, July 5, police assisted personnel from Grant County Fire District 13 by closing through traffic on South Basin Street/State Route 28 near Martin Road while crews battled a wildfire between the highway and Railroad Avenue.
A small brush fire caused by aerial fireworks was reported at 10:17 p.m. Saturday, July 4, on Grant Drive near the 2700 block of Railroad Avenue. Officers contacted a man who admitted discharging the illegal fireworks, which burned a neighbor’s backyard. The man was advised he would receive an infraction notice for a municipal code violation of the city’s fireworks ordinance.
A domestic disturbance was reported at 6:52 a.m. Saturday, July 4, in the first block of Linda Ridge Loop. Police were told that a naked and bloodied 29-year-old man was outside yelling with a female family member. When questioned by officers, the man said the couple had been drinking during the evening, but began arguing and the woman allegedly bit him several times, stabbed him in the left leg and lacerated one index finger with a kitchen knife. The woman claimed the man assaulted her with his hands and knees and she used the knife to defend herself, according to the report. Shania Lynn Villalta, 27, Ephrata, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault with a deadly weapon and booked into the Grant County Jail.
Following a traffic stop due to improper lane usage at 10:22 p.m. Friday, July 3, Brandon D. Surber, 28, Ephrata, was processed on suspicion of driving under the influence.
A trespassing incident was reported at 6:53 a.m. Friday, July 3, in the 400 block of Sixth Avenue S.E. Police were told a male subject was outside beating on the door of a residence and threatening a female occupant with bodily harm. When contacted by officers, the 42-year-old woman said the male acquaintance had also threatened her the prior evening while armed with a gun. Two other occupants corroborated they heard the man make threatening comments that morning. The man, identified as 58-year-old Raymond Dominic Hyce of Ephrata, denied making any threats and said he only wanted access to the residence to retrieve $100 that he left in a bedroom. Hyce was arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of felony harassment/threats to kill.
While on patrol at 8:05 p.m. Thursday, July 2, an officer observed a wanted subject near the intersection of Basin Street and Second Avenue N.W. Olaf Shawn Hanson, 61, Moses Lake, was taken into custody on an outstanding district court warrant and booked into jail.
A domestic disturbance was reported at 10:19 p.m. Wednesday, July 1 in the 200 block of Pioneer Avenue S.E. Police were told that a 26-year-old family member had been drinking and was “out of control” and damaging property including two vehicles. Sergio Angel Villafana, 25, Ephrata, was arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of two counts of third-degree malicious mischief (domestic violence).
A domestic disturbance was reported at 10:13 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, in the 700 block of J Street S.E. Police were told a male subject had struck an older family member in the chest after being confronted about his behavior and intoxication. Justin Carr Manson, 24, Ephrata, was arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence).
GRANT COUNTY SHERIFF
At 1:08 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, authorities were notified of a 911 hangup call and domestic disturbance involving a man and woman arguing and cussing at one another in the 5100 block of Road 5-NE near Moses Lake. Deputies contacted the couple, who said there were no problems. It was determined that the man, identified as 48-year-old Jared Scott Stratton of Moses Lake, was wanted on an outstanding district court warrant. He was taken into custody and booked into the Grant County Jail.
At 7:15 p.m. Sunday, July 5, authorities were told an unspecified assault had occurred at a resort in the 33500 block of Park Lake Road NE. A female suspect, identified as 32-year-old Kimberly Dawn Halstead of Moses Lake, was taken into custody on July 7 and booked into jail on suspicion of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence).
A report of threats was received at 7:14 p.m. Sunday, July 5, in the 300 block of Vance Lane SW. The complainant told authorities that a male family member was intoxicated and being aggressive to her and her daughter. Luis Angel Garcia Adame, 41, Desert Aire, was arrested on suspicion of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence) and booked into jail.
A report of unusual circumstances was received at 2:54 a.m. Saturday, July 4, in the Moses Lake Sand Dunes. Authorities were told that a topless female subject had been asking others for cocaine, creating a disturbance, and engaged in a physical altercation. Evelyn Kilham, 25, Moses Lake, was arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence).
A disturbance was reported at 10:11 p.m. Thursday, July 2, in the 1800 block of Kittelson Road in Moses Lake. Authorities were told a male subject had created a disturbance at a convenience store. Adrian Adame Madrid, 35, Moses Lake, was arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of third-degree theft, first-degree criminal trespass, and possession of another person’s identification.
At 4:52 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, deputies responded to a report of a residential burglary in the 100 block of Adams Road NW near Quincy. A male subject was located on the unoccupied property and accused of cutting the lock to a farm storage shed, entering the residence through an unlocked window and ripping an alarm panel from the wall. Jason Lee Bushman, 40, Quincy, was arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of second-degree burglary, residential burglary, third-degree theft, and third-degree malicious mischief.
