Moses Lake offers reward on drive-by shooting

Man killed, police need information

MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who shot and killed a Moses Lake man earlier this month.

Juaquin Labato-Sanchez, 35, was struck in the head by gunfire from a shotgun while standing in the front yard of a residence on Sunny Drive Northeast in Moses Lake, Oct. 5.

"We've interviewed a number of people," Chief Dean Mitchell told the Moses Lake City Council Tuesday night. "We're getting cooperation but no wholehearted cooperation."

He asked the city council to approve funding the award. The council approved unanimously.

After Labato-Sanchez was shot, he was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane where he died the next day.

Two other Moses Lake men were struck by gunfire but were treated and released at Samaritan Healthcare. A 28-year-old man was struck in the head and arm and a 19-year-old man was struck in the hand.

Witnesses reportedly told police at least two people were seen inside a vehicle firing shotgun rounds at the people and the residence.

Police impounded a white 1996 Pontiac Trans Am believed to be used during the shooting.

People with information are asked to contact Sgt. Dave Sands or Det. Juan Loera at 509-766-9230.