Moses Lake child allegedly used in theft

An 8-year-old Moses Lake boy was used in a reported theft at Safeway.

MOSES LAKE — An 8-year-old Moses Lake boy was used in a reported theft at Safeway.

Jermaine M. Garland, 28, Moses Lake, reportedly loaded a shopping cart with diapers at Safeway, Moses Lake police reported. Garland reportedly exited the store and waited outside the storefront doors.

His 8-year-old son then pushed the cart of unpaid merchandise out of the store and was detained by store security, police advised. Garland reportedly fled the area, leaving his son behind.

Kira D. Smith, 27, Moses Lake, entered the store office and reportedly demanded her son be returned to her, police stated. Store management advised they were calling police.

Smith reportedly shoved a door into the store employee and pushed her, police reported. She then allegedly grabbed her son and fled the area.

Police arrived and found Smith and her son hiding near Walnut Street. While police questioned her, she declined to reveal who Garland was and claimed he was a friend.

Smith was arrested for obstructing justice and assault in the third degree.

Garland was located at his residence and cited for theft in the third degree and was banned from entering Safeway.

The 8-year-old boy was released to his grandparents and is not allowed at Safeway.