Man arrested for assaulting cops in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — A man who was reportedly high on methamphetamine was arrested last week after he allegedly assaulted two Moses Lake police officers.

About 5 a.m. Thursday morning the Moses Lake Police Department received a report of a male walking in traffic on North Stratford Road. Officers arrived at the scene and reportedly located 51-year-old Cipriano Valdez, who the MLPD says was showing signs of methamphetamine intoxication.

Police had reportedly responded to several disturbance calls involving Valdez prior to Thursday morning’s contact.

“Valdez is well known to law enforcement, and was yelling unintelligible things to the officer, exhibiting significant signs of intoxication,” MLPD Capt. Mike Williams said. “The officer told Valdez to stay out of the roadway, and even followed at a safe distance to try to make sure Valdez arrived home safely. However, after numerous warnings, Valdez ventured back into traffic, and was nearly struck by a passing pickup.”

Officers attempted to arrest Valdez for disorderly conduct, but he reportedly assumed a fighting stance and disregarded commands from officers. Valdez reportedly kicked two MLPD officers several times as they attempted to take him to the ground. Williams said the officers were not seriously injured.

Valdez was booked into the Grant County Jail on two counts of assault of a police officer, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

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