Fireworks, gunfire reported during New Year's Eve
Gunfire struck a truck on North Kentucky Drive in Moses Lake, possibly due to shots fires on New Year's Day. Photo by Bill Stevenson/Columbia Basin Herald
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake police responded to several firework and gunfire calls related to the New Year’s Day holiday.
“We had a lot of calls but I would say it’s pretty consistent with last year,” Capt. Dave Ruffin said.
Police responded to at least six incidents involving fireworks and three incidents involving gunfire.
Fireworks are allowed in some parts of Grant County, but not within the city limits of Moses Lake, and celebration through gunfire is never allowed, he said.
There was a firework stand selling fireworks outside the city limits on Valley Road last week.
The first report of gunfire was Wednesday night on Highland Drive Northeast, according to a police record. No suspects were located.
The second report of gunfire was on West Nelson Road Thursday morning.
Police responded to a large party involving gang members, according to a police record. When officers arrive, many people fled the area. Six spent casings and one live round were found in front of the residence.
Police searched the home to locate any gunshot victims but found no injured people. A rifle was located and seized.
Of the people who remained at the party, they all declined being the person who shot the firearm, police reported. The firearm was not registered.
Fingerprints located on the rifle along with the names of the people who remained at the party will be prepared in a report to send to the prosecutors office.
The final gunfire related complaint was reported on North Kentucky Drive Thursday afternoon.
A man advised his windshield was struck by gunfire. He advised it appeared someone shot a firearm in the air and the bullet came down, landing on the windshield of his pickup, breaking it. The bullet was found in the driveway next to the vehicle and collected by police.