Four gang members attempt to steal dog

MOSES LAKE - Grant County sheriff's deputies arrested alleged gang members following a reported attempt to steal a dog in Cascade Valley.

Deputies were called to a residence on Denton Road Northeast Friday at about 1:40 p.m. when a resident saw a suspicious vehicle in her driveway and several people wearing blue bandanas approaching the home, according to Sheriff Tom Jones on Monday.

The resident reportedly said she saw one man carrying a handgun and confronting a male resident of the home.

When deputies arrived, the man carrying the pistol allegedly entered the home without permission in an attempt to conceal the weapon, Jones stated.

Deputies detained at least four people who were wearing blue bandanas standing on the porch of the residence, all of whom Jones stated are documented street gang members in Grant County.

A Gold 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer occupied by two juvenile females was detained in the driveway. Deputies reportedly saw two shotguns inside the Trailblazer and removed an infant and a toddler from the vehicle for their safety, Jones stated.

After securing a search warrant for the vehicle and residence, deputies reportedly seized a sawed-off 12 gauge shotgun and a 20 gauge shotgun from inside the Trailblazer and found a loaded .40 caliber handgun with the serial number ground off inside the home.

Investigators also found an assortment of drug paraphernalia inside the home.

"What deputies have pieced together thus far is that several people armed with firearms went to the Denton Road home in an attempt to steal a dog," Jones stated.

While the investigation continues and further charges are possible, four people have been arrested, including three 17 year old males, two from Moses Lake and one from Soap Lake. Each of the juveniles was arrested for first degree robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm and all were booked into the Grant County Youth Services Facility.

Christopher McCarrell, 25, Moses Lake, was meanwhile arrested on suspicion of robbery in the first degree, burglary in the first degree, unlawful possession of a firearm, altering identifying marks on a firearm, possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana under 40 grams. He is being held at the Grant County Jail.

People with information about the incident are asked to call the Grant County Sheriff's Office at 509-754-2011 ext. 468 or send information to crimetips@co.grant.wa.us. As always, tipsters can remain anonymous.