Transient arrested for arson, assault at Ephrata apartment

 EPHRATA — A man who allegedly started a fire outside a downtown apartment and tried to attack the tenant this morning (Thursday, March 5) was subsequently arrested by Ephrata police and Grant County sheriff’s deputies.

Oscar J. Ramirez-Reyes, 39, described as an Ephrata-area transient, was booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of first-degree arson, fourth-degree assault, and third-degree malicious mischief.

Authorities were notified shortly before 7 a.m. of a disturbance at the former Travel Lodge complex in the first block of Basin Street S.W.

Responding officers contacted a 66-year-old man who sustained burns to his right hand by extinguishing a fire set to the door of his apartment, according to a press released issued by Ephrata police. During their encounter, the suspect tried to hit the tenant before fleeing on foot from the scene.

EPD Capt. Troy Froewiss said it did not appear that the two men knew each other and no apparent motive was established for the arson incident.

The tenant was transported by Lifeline ambulance to Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake for treatment of his burns and later released. Personnel from the Ephrata Fire Department and Grant County Fire District 13 responded and ensured that the fire was extinguished.

Officers identified Ramirez from surveillance video at the complex and began searching for him with assistance from sheriff’s deputies including K-9 Storm.

Shortly before 8 a.m., Ramirez was observed in the 1100 block of Basin Street S.W., hiding behind the Ephrata Safeway store. When confronted by the leashed dog, police said Ramirez immediately surrendered and was taken into custody without incident.

“The Ephrata Police Department would like to thank the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and K-9 Storm for their assistance,” EPD chief Erik Koch said in the press statement.