Three juveniles booked for alleged vehicle theft and eluding police
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 3 months AGO
On Saturday morning, three juveniles stole a vehicle from Mattawa, drove to Ephrata, engaged in short pursuit with Ephrata Police Department and fled on foot before officers arrested and booked them into Chelan County Juvenile Center.
FILE PHOTO
MATTAWA — Three juveniles were arrested Saturday for stealing a car in Mattawa at around 6:30 a.m. followed by a short police pursuit near Ephrata.
“We want to remind people to do basic vehicle security by locking their doors, taking their keys with them, removing any valuables from the vehicle and parking in a well-lit location,” Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said.
The sheriff’s office received a report of a stolen black Ford Fusion in the 100 block of Second Street in Mattawa, according to a GCSO statement. A couple of hours after the report, an Ephrata Police Department officer reportedly pulled over a black Ford Fusion matching the description, and the vehicle took off after the officer got out of his car.
The driver started traveling south on Dodson Road Northwest from state Route 282, according to the statement. Because of heavy fog, the officer called off the pursuit; a GCSO deputy set out spike strips at Road 10.8 and Dodson Road Northwest. The spike strips flattened the driver’s-side tires on the car, but the driver kept going.
Deputies later found the vehicle crashed in a ditch at Dodson Road Northwest and Road 4 Northwest. Three people were seen running west from the car. Officers found the boys, ages 14, 14 and 16, in an empty irrigation canal under Dodson Road. The boys were taken into custody.
The officers found the three juveniles with a .22-caliber revolver, a stolen .22-caliber rifle and a small amount of drugs, the GCSO statementsaid.
The three were booked into Chelan County Juvenile Center for investigation of possession of stolen vehicle, possession of a stolen firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm and attempting to elude police. The GCSO and EPD received assistance from the Multi-Agency Communications Center.
ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
‘Show up’
Local leaders say community voices shape schools, cities and trust
WARDEN — When Warden Mayor Rosaelia Martinez looked out over the audience at the April 28 Warden City Council meeting, she didn’t see empty seats. She saw neighbors. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.” That message – that showing up matters – was echoed by city and school leaders across the Columbia Basin, many of whom say public participation directly shapes decision-making, transparency and long‑term planning.
Warden council bans kratom, considers parking regulations
WARDEN — Warden City Council passed a kratom ban and special event permit Tuesday night. It also discussed its comprehensive plan update and an ordinance for parking regulations. Around 17 residents were in attendance, a fairly large showing for a Warden council meeting. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Mayor Rosaelia Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input because it really validates what a lot of people are hoping to achieve in the city. Thank you. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.”
Columbia Basin Hospital nominates Allred for board
EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Hospital received one application for a vacant seat on the Board of Commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 3. Dr. Lowell Allred has applied for the role. He was officially nominated for the role at the April 28 board of commissioners meeting. “Public notice of this nomination shall occur between April 29 and May 14, to allow time for registered voters residing in the hospital district to also submit nominees for the vacant position,” said Chief Executive Officer Rosalinda Kibby.