Ephrata man arrested for shooting

Victim remains in serious condition

SOAP LAKE - An Ephrata man was arrested Thursday afternoon for allegedly shooting a Moses Lake man Sunday afternoon.

Jason Blair Latimer, 31, Ephrata, was arrested for assault in the second-degree while walking a dog in Ephrata, stated Grant County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy John Turley.

Latimer allegedly shot Arturo H. Mendoza, 27, in Soap Lake with a handgun he drew from the waistband of his pants, he said. The single bullet reportedly struck Mendoza's right arm and became lodged in his lower abdomen.

According to Turley, Latimer reportedly shot the victim during a verbal altercation because he became jealous of Mendoza being with his ex-girlfriend. Mendoza and the 28-year-old Soap Lake woman were reportedly sitting in a vehicle at the time of the shooting.

Mendoza is in serious but stable condition in a Spokane hospital.

He reportedly drove himself to the hospital in Ephrata for treatment before being flown to Spokane.

Latimer reportedly learned of his victims' location after having a cellphone conversation with women, when he became upset, Turley said.

The Ephrata Police Department assisted the sheriff's office with arresting Latimer.