1 robbery suspect still at large

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake man arrested Friday in connection to the armed robberies of two convenience stores turned himself in because of pressure from family, but denied his involvement.

According to court records, Cruz Ramon Vasquez, 20, went to the Moses Lake police station about noon Friday after officers spoke with his family members who recognized the clothing worn in the robberies and believed Vasquez was one of the suspects.

During questioning by detectives, Vasquez denied accusations he was involved in the two robberies. Officers reportedly recognized the shoes he was wearing that were similar to the shoes worn by one of the suspects in the robbery. Vasquez was later arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree robbery with a deadly weapon, according to court records.

On Sunday night, Vasquez and a person of interest, identified as a 20-year-old Moses Lake man who hasn't yet been charged with a crime, allegedly approached the Hillstop convenience store on South Pioneer Way from a nearby field. The two reportedly split up and Vasquez allegedly entered the store, armed with a black revolver and demanded money from the female clerk. Vasquez allegedly fled west on Nelson Road with more than $300, according to court records.

Shoe impressions were left as an employee had just mopped before the robbery.

The person of interest admitted to being with Vasquez prior to the robbery, telling police Vasquez told him he was going to rob the store and allegedly showed him a handgun before the two split up. The person of interest continued to a Hill Avenue home where Vasquez later showed up, allegedly taking money he tucked into his pants, shirt and shoes, according to the Moses Lake police report.

The person of interest was allegedly inside the Pioneer Avenue store prior to the robbery, acting suspicious, according to court records. Officers believe the person of interest acted as the "look out" for Vasquez.

On Monday night, Vasquez and an unidentified subject entered JR's Economart on West Broadway Avenue, both armed with firearms and demanded money from the clerk. The unidentified suspect reportedly went behind the counter, and continued to point the gun at the clerk, according to police reports.

The person of interest denied any part in the second robbery as well as denied being with Vasquez on Monday. There is no physical evidence at this time linking the person of interest to the second robbery, according to police reports.

A police informant was able to identify Vasquez and the person of interest as the two suspects after seeing photos released by police Tuesday. The informant told officers possible locations of the suspects at homes on South Hawthorne Drive and East Hill Avenue, where officers served three search warrants.

Officers allegedly found the clothes the person of interest was wearing when he entered the Hillstop store prior to the robbery. Vasquez's family members said a revolver usually left in the home was missing for several days, according to police reports.

Officers are still investigating the incidents and gathering evidence and charges have not been filed against the person of interest.

Anyone with information on the second suspect or robberies is asked to contact either Sgt. Brian Jones or Detective Matt Fullbright at 509-764-3887 or 509-762-1160.