ML man arrested for warrants after fleeing police

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was arrested for warrants Thursday after he reportedly fled from an officer and darted across a busy highway.

About 12:45 p.m. a Moses Lake Police Department officer was on patrol and reportedly spotted Jeremiah Hamilton, 34, of Moses Lake, walking on Central Drive near the Paul Lauzier Athletic Complex. The officer knew Hamilton had several felony arrest warrants and attempted to make contact with him, MLPD Capt. Mike Williams said.

Hamilton reportedly fled the scene on foot, dumping his backpack as he ran across a field. He reportedly went across the property near the Home Depot and ran across Highway 17. Hamilton and the pursuing officer made it across the highway, with the officer catching up with the suspect on the side of the road and taking him down. The officer reportedly pepper-sprayed Hamilton, who continued to resist.

“As the officer was working to take Hamilton into custody, Juan Pineda, a driver with Moses Lake Towing, pulled his truck over to assist the officer,” Williams said. “With Pineda’s help, Hamilton was taken into custody in no time. Just as quickly as he arrived, Pineda hopped back in his truck and went back to work.”

Police located over 40 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia with heroin and a smoking device on the suspect. Hamilton was booked into the Grant County Jail on a felony Department of Corrections warrant and three misdemeanor warrants. Williams says resisting arrest and drug charges will be filed against Hamilton.

“To preemptively address the inevitable comments, we do realize marijuana is a naturally occurring plant that is mostly legal in this state. However, state law still says it is illegal to possess more than 40 grams, and we enforce state law,” Williams explained.