Bail set at $15,000

EPHRATA — A 42-year-old Moses Lake man is accused of breaking at least two Moses Lake business windows with a BB gun.

William M. Lobie appeared in Grant County Superior Court Monday, facing charges of possession of a firearm in the second degree, malicious mischief in the second degree, possession with the intent to deliver or manufacture marijuana and use of drug paraphernalia.

Police identified Lobie after undercover Moses Lake police officers heard two shots fired from a BB gun on Jan. 10 and spotted a vehicle fleeing the area, according to a police report. Officers located the vehicle at McCosh Park, and discovered two BB pistols along with five gun magazines and a new carbon-dioxide canister.

Police searched Lobie’s home Friday, allegedly discovering firearms and marijuana, according to the police report.

Deputy Prosecutor Ed Owens asked for $100,000 in bail, saying Lobie has four prior convictions, two for assault and two drug possession charges, and police officers found 4,000 BBs when they searched Lobie’s residence.

“We’re concerned if he did get out there’s nothing that’s going to stop this from happening again,” Owens said. “There’s nothing preventing him from buying another BB gun.”

Owens pointed out the crimes Lobie is accused of have caused a lot of suffering to the business owners and the community of Moses Lake.

Lobie’s defense attorney, Julie St. Marie, argued the potential loss of property is not a good enough reason for an exceptional amount of bail.

Grant County Superior Court Judge Evan Sperline said he agreed in spirit with Owens’ argument, but did not think the law supported it. He set bail at $15,000.

The Moses Lake police reported the investigation is continuing.