Assault report leads police to pot grow

Police found a marijuana growing operation inside this house on South Grand Drive after responding to a report of domestic violence.

These marijuana plants were among about 30 seized from a house on South Grand Drive Saturday.

by Columbia Basin Herald & Ryan Lancaster
| February 8, 2012 5:05 AM

These marijuana plants were among about 30 seized from a house on South Grand Drive Saturday.

MOSES LAKE - Police found more than they bargained for with a report of domestic violence in Moses Lake.

At about noon on Saturday Moses Lake police responded to a residence on South Grand Drive where, according to Capt. Dave Ruffin, a 39-year-old woman allegedly told them she was assaulted by Herbert E. Ellsworth, 41.

While police were looking for Ellsworth inside the residence they discovered a marijuana growing operation in one of the bedrooms, Ruffin stated.

A search warrant was obtained and approximately 30 plants in various stages of growth and processing were reportedly seized with a total weight of more than one pound.

Ruffin said numerous drug paraphernalia items and one firearm were also located inside the residence.

Ellsworth reportedly fled the residence prior to police arrival but was located at a relative's home and booked into the Grant County Jail for manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine and assault in the fourth degree - domestic violence.

Police anticipate the alleged assault victim will face charges pertaining to the manufacture of a controlled substance and possession of methamphetamine, Ruffin said.