Sand Scorpions' fireworks stand robbed

MOSES LAKE - The Sand Scorpions ORV group's fireworks stand near the Grant County Fairgrounds was robbed of cash and fireworks after closing late Tuesday night.

A cash register drawer taken in the burglary was found on Knolls Vista Drive near West Northshore Drive in Moses Lake, according to a Moses Lake police report released Wednesday.

Officers responded to Knolls Vista Drive after receiving reports of shots fired or fireworks discharged in the area, Moses Lake police Capt. Dave Sands said.

A truck with several juveniles was spotted in the vicinity but Sands said it is uncertain if the two incidents were related.

"We have some leads from witnesses and are following up on those now," said Grant County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Ken Jones.

Fireworks stand volunteer Frances Jones said she believes a second cash register was found on Valley Road near the Stratford Road intersection.

She said the man in charge of the stand was notified at 3 a.m. about the burglary.

The stand closes at 10 p.m. nightly.

She estimated only about $120 was left in each of the cash register drawers after daily deposits were made.

A substantial amount of fireworks were also taken, she said.

"It's kind of upsetting there are so many people like that in the world," Jones commented.

The stand was robbed about three years ago, she recalled.