Resident tips leads to arrest for stolen ATV
Local Crime News
MOSES LAKE - Knolls Vista Elementary School in Moses Lake was on lockdown Friday afternoon as police searched for two suspects who fled after allegedly stealing an ATV in the morning.
About 12:45 p.m., a resident alerted a community service officer that two men were driving an off-road vehicle on the streets near West Windrose Drive. The officer advised other officers in the area to be on the lookout for the ATV, which was found shortly after abandoned off Windrose Drive, according to police reports.
Area residents told officers the two men, identified as Matthew G. Low, 25, of Post Falls, Idaho, and Scotty R. Slenker, 27, of Moses Lake, allegedly fled after abandoning the vehicle. Officers began to search the area for the two men, following tips from residents. The two reportedly cut through several yards before Low was apprehended on private property in the 700 block of West Sagebay Drive and Slenker was arrested on nearby North Manzanita Street, according to police Capt. Dave Sands. Both reportedly shed their hats and coats while running in an attempt to change their appearance.
Further investigation found the ATV was reported stolen about 7:45 a.m. from Block 40 Meats on Road 10 Northeast, about eight miles north of Moses Lake.
Knolls Vista Elementary School was placed on lockdown for about 45 minutes as a precaution as police searched for the two suspects. A school resource officer was also called to school property during the search.
Low was booked into Grant County Jail on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle and criminal trespassing. Slenker was released pending a charge of criminal trespassing.
Low has a history of possession of stolen property, and is currently awaiting trial in Lincoln County after he ran from police on Jan. 7 near Moses Lake. He was reportedly found hiding inside a trailer. Deputies also recovered alleged stolen property near Road M.2 Northeast, including a car, utility trailer and large air compressor from a Lincoln County burglary.