Police search for convicted felon who fled traffic stop

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake police are currently searching for a convicted felon who fled from officers after hitting his passenger and an officer with his car over the weekend.

On Sunday night officers in Moses Lake were on the lookout for an armed felon and contacted a parked vehicle near Central Drive and Valley Road. Police asked the driver and passenger to exit the car, as they had information the suspect was in the vehicle.

The passenger exited the car, but the driver, identified as Nicholas Romero Rivera, 29, refused and put the vehicle into reverse. During the process, the passenger was struck by a car door and fell to the ground. An MLPD officer was also reportedly hit, but neither the officer nor the passenger reported any injuries.

“Due to the reckless way the driver was operating the vehicle and endangering the public, officers did not chase for long,” Capt. Mike Williams said.

Romero Rivera had reportedly already gaven a officer his identification card before he fled the scene. In addition, because of several distinctive tattoos and past contact with officers, police recognized the driver as being Romero Rivera. The 22-year-old passenger who was knocked to the ground refused to cooperate with police and reportedly lied about Romero Rivera’s identity and her own. The MLPD says the passenger will be facing charges. The MLPD has probable cause to arrest Romero Rivera for two counts of first-degree assault and felony eluding.

“Romero Rivera is a convicted felon with a history of violent offenses, including his last arrest in which he attempted to pull a gun on a deputy last summer,” Williams said.

If you know where Romero Rivera is contact MACC Dispatch at 509-762-1160.

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