Murder suspect allegedly assaults inmate over sandwich

EPHRATA - Anthony R. Vasquez, charged in the September fatal shooting of a Moses Lake man, is facing more legal trouble after allegedly assaulting an inmate over a sandwich and then a corrections officer at the Grant County Jail.

Prosecutors recently charged Vasquez, 28, of Moses Lake, with custodial assault stemming from the Nov. 6 incident.

According to court records, Vasquez allegedly punched a 29-year-old male inmate in the back while a corrections officer was escorting the inmate to retrieve cleaning supplies for his cell.

The officer was able to get in front of Vasquez following the alleged assault when Vasquez attempted to push through the officer. Vasquez was eventually able to get past the officer, but the inmate already returned to his cell. Vasquez allegedly told the inmate, "That's what you get for taking my sandwich," according to court records.

Vasquez was eventually apprehended and escorted to a crisis room before returning to his cell.

The inmate declined to press charges against Vasquez.

The officer sustained injuries to his finger and wrist during the incident, according to court records.

Vasquez was previously charged in September with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting and killing Juan J. Garcia outside a Patton Boulevard convenience store near Moses Lake.