Moses Lake man recognized for helping officer with arrest

MOSES LAKE — Juan Pineda could have easily driven right on by a Moses Lake Police Department officer on Oct. 12 as the officer was attempting to subdue a known felon. Pineda didn’t do that and without a moment of hesitation risked his own safety and aided the officer. Pineda’s actions were recognized during Tuesday’s council meeting when he was awarded with the Citizen’s Public Safety Award.

About 12:45 p.m. Oct. 12 a Moses Lake Police Department officer was on patrol and spotted a man, Jeremiah Hamilton, 34, of Moses Lake, who the officer knew had several felony warrants out for his arrest, walking on Central Drive. The officer attempted to contact Hamilton and he bolted from the area on foot. Hamilton made his way across a field and ran across Highway 17.

“The officer ended up catching him right off of Highway 17 and was having a hard time controlling him on the ground. So a Moses Lake Towing truck shows up, screeches to a halt, the driver (Pineda) jumps out, runs over and helps the officer wrangle his legs down to control the suspect until other officers arrived,” MLPD Chief Kevin Fuhr said Tuesday night.

Fuhr noted Pineda’s actions on Oct. 12 make the second time in a year a Moses Lake Towing employee has assisted a MLPD officer.

“This is a fantastic business. They employ great people,” Fuhr remarked.

As a result of his actions, Pineda was bestowed with the Citizen’s Public Safety Award for his “quick and determined efforts” in helping the officer arrest a known felon. The award was met with a standing ovation from the city council and all who attended Tuesday night’s council meeting.

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