Suspect in Sand Dunes assault found, no charges
Local Crime News
GRANT COUNTY - The person suspected of shoving a Tacoma man off a boat during the Memorial Day weekend at the Moses Lake Sand Dunes was found thanks to information from the public.
The victim, Corey Barker, 37, suffered a broken neck and bleeding in his skull after he was allegedly pushed from a boat head first into shallow water May 24 at the sand dunes. The sheriff's office asked the public for help finding the man who allegedly pushed Barker.
Even with an unclear description of the suspect, residents' tips helped the sheriff's office identify the suspect. He was interviewed by investigators and Barker reportedly declined to press charges against the man. The case is now closed. Because the suspect will not face criminal charges, the sheriff's office did not release his name.
"We knew we had an obscure description of the suspect - a description that would fit many people who were at the dunes that day," Sheriff Tom Jones said. "And, we also knew people witnessed the incident and had information. Thankfully, those people stepped forward and gave us the tips we needed."
The man allegedly pushed Barker off the boat after Barker was reportedly dancing with his girlfriend. Barker began complaining of no sensation on the left side of his body after he and his friends left the sand dunes and returned to Crescent Bar. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for surgery, according to the sheriff's office.
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