Ephrata man arrested for three assaults

Additional charges coming

EPHRATA - After allegedly committing a slew of crimes, an Ephrata man was arrested Monday morning by Ephrata police with assistance from the Grant County Sheriff's Office.

Ian J. Libby, 18, was booked on a warrant concerning robbery in the first degree, Ephrata police Chief Joe Varick reported Tuesday. Law enforcement made the arrest at a residence on C Street Northwest in Ephrata.

According to Ephrata police records, law enforcement responded to the residence following an anonymous tip indicating Libby was inside the residence. Police reportedly saw him in the doorway and he fled inside the residence. Officers allegedly ordered him to exit the residence and he complied.

The warrant stemmed from an Aug. 13 incident when Libby reportedly confronted a male about money he was owed, Varick stated. When the person wouldn't pay, Libby reportedly assaulted him and stole personal items.

Afterward, more incidents occurred, leading to his arrest, the chief said.

On Aug. 23, Libby reportedly assaulted an ex-girlfriend after she told him their relationship was over, Varick stated. During the incident, Libby reportedly damaged a door and stole money from the woman.

One, Aug. 24, Libby allegedly confronted two male juveniles at separate times and stole money and personal items from them, according to Ephrata police.

The incidents reportedly happened in the area of Fifth Avenue and Basin Street Northwest in Ephrata.

Additional charges of theft in the second degree, malicious mischief and assault in the fourth degree-domestic violence are in the process of being filed, Varick said.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Libby remained in custody at the Grant County Jail.