2 arrested for vehicle prowling Thursday

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Police Department Chief Kevin Fuhr says a call from a citizen helped police apprehend two men who are connected to a string of vehicle prowls.

About 3:35 a.m. on Thursday a citizen advised Moses Lake police of two suspicious subjects in the 1300 block of South Cougar Drive. Officers responded to the area and reportedly located Jeremy Harstad, 34, of Federal Way, and Julian Latimer, 26, of Seattle, actively prowling two vehicles, according to police records.

Harstad reportedly jumped a fence and started running east, but was apprehended after a short foot pursuit. Latimer was taken into custody in the 1400 block of Cougar Drive. A search of Harstad’s backpack reportedly turned up items stolen from several vehicles in the area.

“After arresting the males, officers discovered evidence that may solve several other vehicle prowls,” Fuhr said. “The assistance we received from this citizen was invaluable in keeping our community safe. I would like to thank the citizen and the officers that did an outstanding job in arresting these suspects.”

Harstad was booked into the Grant County Jail on 10 counts of vehicle prowling, possession of stolen property and possession of motor vehicle theft tools. Latimer was booked on 10 counts of vehicle prowling and possession of stolen property.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.