Moses Lake man sought for car-jacking

MOSES LAKE — Law enforcement is seeking Salvador V. Chavez, 44, of Moses Lake for allegedly assaulting a man during a car-jacking Sunday night.

The victim offered the suspect a ride from Moses Lake to Royal City.

Chavez allegedly beat the victim with a rock, robbed him and stole his vehicle near Royal City.

The incident began in Moses Lake at the Vista Quick Stop located on Valley Road, according to a Grant County Undersheriff John Turley. The 62-year-old male victim was approached by Chavez, who allegedly advised his vehicle broke down and he needed a ride to Royal City.

The victim agreed, driving the suspect to the Royal Coachman trailer park in Royal City.

Chavez reportedly told the victim he planned to meet a friend, but the friend was not home so the victim allowed Chavez to ride with him to a store, where the victim cashed a check for about $817.

It was unclear where the victim was taking Chavez next, but eventually they stopped somewhere north of Royal City where the victim was assaulted, law enforcement reported.

“(Chavez) premeditatedly picked up a rock and struck (the victim) in the back of his head,” according to a report released Monday. “(The victim) turned around just in time to see (Chavez) strike him in the face with the rock.”

During the assault, the victim passed out. When he woke, his wallet, cash and 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier were stolen.

“He walked about 20 minutes to where he pleaded for help,” stated a sheriff’s investigator in a report. “I believe a reasonable person would believe (Chavez) not only intended to murder (the victim) but believed he did murder him when he collapsed, lifeless along the road.”

The Royal City Police Department and the sheriff’s office worked together to obtain information from the victim. The man required help from an EMT, who translated from Spanish to English.

“I observed blood all over his head, bleeding over his left eye, from the back of his head and blood flowing out from inside his left ear,” the deputy reported.

EMT’s attempted to treat the victim at the scene but he refused help, according to authorities. He also refused to be transported to a medical facility.

A family member brought the victim back to Moses Lake.

Moses Lake police located Chavez’s vehicle at the Vista Quick Stop and it was impounded.

The sheriff’s office asks anyone with information about the crime, or Chavez’s whereabouts, to call 9-1-1 or 509-754-2011.