NEWS BITES for Aug. 13, 2024

GEORGE — A man allegedly pointed a handgun at three people in the town of George on Saturday, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff's Office. The suspect left with another man in a blue Ford Explorer on Road 1 Southwest. A vehicle matching the suspect’s vehicle description was found near South Frontage Road West and Road 1 Southwest. When the deputies arrived, the suspect was inside the vehicle but refused to exit or obey commands. After ignoring commands from deputies, two flash grenades were discharged outside the vehicle and deterrent aerosol projectiles were introduced inside the vehicle. Fredesvindo Alvarado Martinez, 25, George, was in custody at 6:55 p.m. on Sunday and lodged at Grant County Jail. He is being treated for exposure to a deployed pepper ball. The other man was released after questioning.  

ELLENSBURG — According to the Washington State Patrol, there was a two-vehicle collision on Interstate 82, eastbound at Milepost 6, six miles south of Ellensburg. A 2004 Chevrolet Suburban driven by John A. Yenogoyan, 21, of Camano Island struck a 2018 Freightliner semi truck from behind. Both vehicles then came to rest and blocked the right lane. Yenogoyan was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. The driver of the Freightliner, Geoffreey M. Kitheka, 38, of Tarzana, Calif., was not injured. Both parties were wearing seatbelts, and it is unknown whether drugs or alcohol were a factor.

MOSES LAKE — Former Grant County Sheriff’s Deputy Greg Hutchison has returned for a new role as the emergency management specialist, according to a statement from the GCSO. Sheriff Joe Kriete administered the oath of office in the presence of Hutchison’s friends and colleagues.