MOSES LAKE — A convicted felon who threw a modified rifle into a backyard as he was running from police in Moses Lake is facing gun-related charges in Grant County Superior Court.

Grant County prosecutors charged Francisco Villa, 22, of Moses Lake, in Grant County Superior Court with first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of an unlawful firearm (short-barreled rifle).

About 2 a.m. Saturday morning a Moses Lake Police Department officer was on patrol and spotted two people in dark clothing walking east on West Pine Drive toward Central Drive. The officer attempted to contact the two subjects, but they both made a run for it and started heading north on Central Drive.

One of the subjects, alleged to be Villa, ran around a vehicle and went back toward West Pine Drive. Villa turned south onto North Clark Road and reportedly threw a large object toward the back of a nearby residence. He then ran across the street and went into his residence in the 300 block of North Clark Road.

“Villa attempted to close the door, however I was close enough to stick my foot against the door and not allow the door to shut. I ordered Villa to stop, show me his hands and to get on the ground,” wrote an MLPD officer.

Villa told police he was running because he was out late and “he didn’t know it was ‘you guys.’” Villa went on to claim he didn’t throw an item into a nearby backyard and he wanted his lawyer. Police searched the location where Villa allegedly threw the item and recovered a .22 caliber long rifle magazine. The magazine reportedly had 22 rounds in it and one additional round was located next to the magazine.

In addition, police found a modified long rifle on top of a shed in the backyard. The homeowner denied owning the gun and magazine and Villa was arrested. In addition, court records indicate blood was found on the modified rifle and on Villa’s hands. A criminal history check revealed Villa has previous felony convictions for second-degree assault and first-degree rendering criminal assistance.

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