Man carries pistol into Moses Lake business

Witness advised of man acting suspicious

MOSES LAKE - An Ephrata man was arrested after carrying a firearm inside Hastings Books Music & Videos on South Pioneer Way in Moses Lake Saturday night.

A witness in the store reportedly saw the man and thought he appeared suspicious and could see he was carrying some type of weapon, Moses Lake Police Capt. Dave Ruffin said. The witness contacted police and provided a description of the suspect.

Police located the suspect as he was attempting to exit the business parking lot in a vehicle, he said.

Ryan Christopher Kantola, 20, Ephrata, was arrested for being a minor in possession of a pistol and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

He was convicted of malicious mischief in the first degree, which is a felony crime, according to police Chief Dean Mitchell.

Police reportedly located a loaded .22 caliber pistol in Kantola's waistband, Ruffin said. The firearm was confiscated.

No threats were made with the weapon and it was not discharged.

A 16-year-old San Jose, Calif., female was inside the vehicle with Kantola, police reported. She was cited for possession of marijuana under 40 grams.

The female reportedly told police she had marijuana and a glass smoking pipe in her backpack.

The relationship between the male and female was not disclosed.