Property crimes investigations lead to arrest, more expected

EPHRATA - Grant County Sheriff's Deputies are investigating several property crimes cases as of Aug. 11 and have turned up one arrest.

Grant County Deputies served a search warrant on Sept. 10 at a rural Moses Lake residence where a reported stolen vehicle was found. This investigation originated from a reported stolen vehicle earlier that morning after a vehicle owner left his running vehicle unattended.

Deputies found narcotics at the home. On a subsequent search warrant, stolen property was recovered from inside the home as well as narcotics and a firearm.

Emanuel Ayala, age 28, of Othello was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant for escape from community custody. He was taken to the Grant County Jail.

On Sept. 11, Grant County Deputies received a report of a burglary of a shop in the rural Ephrata area. A citizen tip led Deputies to a trailer park in Soap Lake where a flatbed truck containing stolen property was impounded for an application of a search warrant.

Both of these investigations are ongoing, and additional criminal charges are likely.

"In both of these incidents, Grant County Deputies were able to follow up on tips provided by vigilant citizens who reported their observations," said Sheriff Tom Jones. "I am grateful for the partnership with our communities, and I encourage citizens to keep calling us with information to help solve crimes."

- Staff report