Man allegedly steals credit cards during vehicle prowl

MOSES LAKE — A man was arrested on Wednesday after allegedly stealing credit cards out of a purse during a vehicle prowl and purchasing several items with the stolen credit cards.

About 3:15 p.m. Moses Lake police responded to a report of a possible fraud at the Moses Lake Walmart. The alleged suspect, identified as Jose Gonzalez Ramirez, 24, of Moses Lake, reportedly left the scene in a Dodge pickup truck and was later contacted during a traffic stop, according to police records.

Police learned Gonzalez Ramirez, who was reportedly driving while his license was suspended in the third-degree, conducted a vehicle prowl earlier in the day at Anytime Fitness. Gonzalez Ramirez allegedly stole $160 and two credits cards from a purse in the parking lot and used the stolen credit cards to purchase two video game systems at the Othello Walmart.

Gonzalez Ramirez reportedly attempted to return the items for cash after tearing the receipt, but was denied. He tried to return the items at the Moses Lake Walmart, but was denied again. He eventually attempted to sell the items to GameStop, but was declined because he is on the Grant County no pawn list, according to police records.

Gonzalez Ramirez reportedly used the stolen credit cards to buy lunch and fill up the gas tank on his vehicle. He was booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of second-degree identity theft, three counts of second-degree theft, first-degree trafficking in stolen property, second-degree vehicle prowl, third-degree theft and third-degree driving with a suspended/revoked license.

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