Othello carjacker caught in Idaho

OTHELLO — Lorenzo Ramos-Renteria was arrested in Caldwell, Idaho, after allegedly assaulting a roommate in Othello, stealing two vehicles, fleeing police and assaulting a police officer.

Ramos-Renteria, 33, Othello, is facing arrest for two counts of first degree assault, two counts of first degree robbery and theft in the first degree in Grant County, according Undersheriff John Turley.

He was arrested in Canyon County for reportedly assaulting a police officer in Parma, Idaho, attempting to elude a police officer, possession of stolen property and possession of drugs. Details concerning his arrest in Idaho were not available.

On Saturday morning, Ramos-Renteria allegedly assaulted his 59-year-old male roommate by trying to strangle him with a rifle pressed against his neck at their residence on Road D Southeast in Othello.

The victim’s son tried separating the two, causing Ramos-Renteria to leave the residence. While outside, he reportedly fired a round from a pistol as he was leaving.

Roughly two hours later, it is believed Ramos-Renteria was found with a stolen pickup and carjacked a second vehicle before fleeing to Idaho.

Michael L. Meseberg, 30, Othello, arrived to meet friends hunting near Road D Southeast and Road 12 Southeast. He told police he found his friend’s red Ford pickup stuck in the mud.

“Meseberg called (the pickup owner) on his cellphone and asked who was driving his pickup.  In a bizarre schedule of events, (the truck owner) was given the cellphone and spoke to Lorenzo Ramos-Renteria, who had just (allegedly) taken his pickup,” Turley stated. 

Ramos-Renteria reportedly told the owner he needed the pickup to remove his vehicle from a ditch, but the owner said he was calling police.

Turley said Ramos-Renteria walked back to the pickup and was retrieving something inside, when Meseberg heard the action of a firearm being loaded.

“Meseberg advised (Ramos-Renteria) pointed a handgun directly at him towards his head.  Meseberg then told deputies that (Ramos-Renteria) got into his pickup (Meseberg’s) and drove away,” stated Turley. “To Meseberg’s credit, he was not at all satisfied with the outcome and took another one of his friend’s vehicle’s and gave chase after (Ramos-Renteria).”

Meseberg lost sight of Ramos-Renteria in fog.

On Sunday morning, Ramos-Renteria was found in Caldwell, Idaho, and the vehicle was recovered during his arrest.

Ramos-Renteria was reportedly identified by Meseberg and the victims of the domestic assault in Othello. He will face charges in Idaho and a warrant will be issued from Grant County, according to Turley.

“The counts should be enhanced by the firearms provision,” he said, adding it is because a gun was used during the crimes.