Moses Lake man arrested for domestic violence

MOSES LAKE – A Moses Lake man was arrested Sunday morning after Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputies answered a call about a domestic violence incident in the 1000 block of Vandenburg Loop. The victims’ nine-year-old child went to a neighbor for assistance. The neighbor called 911, according to the probable cause statement.  

“(Reporting party) was at home when he heard someone banging on the front door,” reads the probable cause statement. “When he answered the door, (the minor) was standing there crying. (Reporting party) asked (the minor) what happened. (The minor) explained that Paul (Megard) was beating up (the victim). (Reporting party) threw on some clothes and went over to the (residence). (The minor) stayed at (the reporting party’s) residence.” 

Paul Megard, 40, allegedly assaulted the victim on Sunday. Deputies said he was armed with a handgun and was sitting in a truck at the time of his arrest. Megard is a convicted felon, and thus not allowed to possess a firearm. He was booked into Grant County Jail after resisting arrest.  

According to Okanogan County Superior Court Documents, in 2006, Megard was previously convicted with two counts of first-degree robbery, first-degree kidnapping, four counts of second-degree assault – deadly weapon, first-degree theft and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.  

Once deputies arrived on scene, according to a statement from GCSO, Megard made several motions that he was trying to hide something under his clothes.  

“His actions are more resisting being taken into custody. He was not trying to fight with deputies as much as he was trying to not get taken into custody,” GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said.  

Deputies directed Megard to exit the truck. Once out, Megard stopped listening to the deputies and tried to get back into the truck.  

Deputies believed Megard was armed and tried to take him into custody. However, he resisted arrest which resulted in more deputies arriving on the scene. Megard was secured, and deputies found a revolver hidden under his clothes.  

“Paul was in possession of a firearm (at) the point of contact. He was seen by (reporting party) holding a handgun, and (officers) later removed the handgun from his person,” reads the GCSO probable cause statement. “While attempting to detain Paul, he refused to be placed in wrist restraints as he became static and would not comply with our commands.”  

Megard was lodged in Grant County Jail. According to the Grant County Jail Roster, he is being investigated for first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, fourth-degree assault – domestic violence and obstructing a law enforcement officer. As of Tuesday, there was no bail listed.  

According to GCSO, the victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries. She declined medical care, and she was provided with a list of resources. She also denied a protection order.  

“There are local resources to reach out to if you are a victim of domestic violence,” Foreman said.  

In Grant and Adams counties, call New Hope at 888-560-6027. These services can also be accessed through law enforcement. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be accessed at 800-799-7233.