By RICHARD BYRD

Managing Editor

MOSES LAKE - A drug suspect is lodged in the Grant County Jail after he allegedly left a young child in a vehicle as he was attempting to run away from police.

Moses Lake police contacted Michael Cera Barajas, 23, on Monday in connection with a drug investigation. The Moses Lake Police Department says Cera Barajas was in a vehicle with his three-year-old son in the Surf n’ Slide Water Park parking lot when he was confronted by officers. The suspect allegedly proceeded to flee the area on foot; leaving his son in the vehicle.

“Officers secured the child, and gave chase to Cera Barajas. As officers were chasing him, Cera Barajas went up to a vehicle in the parking lot of the pool and appeared to be trying to get into the vehicle before running off again,” stated the MLPD.

A Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to the scene and officers where able to take Cera Barajas into custody as he was attempting to enter the Surf ‘n Slide Water Park. Police reportedly found several bundles of cocaine, which were allegedly packaged for sale, and over $1,800 in cash in small bills. A search warrant was later obtained for the suspect’s vehicle, in which police recovered additional cocaine. In total, police recovered a half an ounce of cocaine that was packaged for sale.

“After he was in custody, officers returned to the car that Cera Barajas had tried to get into, and located an open window. The owner of the car located a loaded pistol inside the car. Officers recovered the pistol and it will be processed for evidence.”

Cera Barajas was booked into the Grant County Jail on outstanding warrants and drug charges, with additional charges pending. The three-year-old child was placed into the care of Child Protective Services.

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