Stolen vehicle crashes in Schwana, sparks brush fire
Grant County Sheriff’s Office/courtesy photo A man was arrested on Saturday after allegedly stealing a vehicle and crashing it near Schwana.
SCHWANA — A man was taken into custody Saturday night after allegedly stealing a pickup truck and crashing the vehicle near a gas station in Schwana.
About 6 p.m. firefighters responded to a report of a brush fire in the area of state Route 243 and B Street, next to a gas station in Schwana. A witness reported seeing a pickup truck crash and a man run away from the scene, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies learned the 2017 Toyota pickup truck had been stolen from a residence in the Desert Aire area. Officers with the Mattawa Police Department and deputies were able to locate the suspect in the vehicle theft, identified as Fidel Lopez Martinez, 40, nearby and take him into custody.
Fire crews with Grant County Fire Districts Nos. 8 and 10 were able to stomp out the brush fire quickly before it reached the pumps at the gas station. Grant County PUD crews responded to the area as well after a brief power outage occurred.
Martinez was booked into the Grant County Jail for suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and possession of a stolen vehicle.
Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.