One arrested after Highway 17 stop; detectives recover fentanyl, firearms
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 weeks AGO
The Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit arrested 40-year-old Mason Beeman Friday morning after a traffic stop and search warrant execution. During the search, detectives recovered 10 firearms, a bulletproof vest, over one pound of fentanyl powder, around five ounces of cocaine, more than 2.5 ounces of methamphetamine and $1,400.
COURTESY PHOTO/MOSES LAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit conducted a traffic stop on Highway 17 near Randolph Road and executed a search warrant Friday morning as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.
Detectives stopped 40-year-old Mason Beeman and he was taken into custody at the scene. His passenger was detained during the investigation.
“He was on his way back from Seattle when he was stopped,” Moses Lake Police Department Captain Jeff Sursely said. “It is assumed he was purchasing drugs.”
Following the stop, detectives executed search warrants on his vehicle and a residence located on Road M NE near Moses Lake. During the search, detectives recovered 10 firearms, a bulletproof vest, over one pound of fentanyl powder, around five ounces of cocaine, more than 2.5 ounces of methamphetamine and $1,400.
According to the Grant County Jail Roster, Beeman has been booked on suspicion of conspiracy to possess, deliver or manufacture methamphetamine. The case remains active, Sursely said, with the potential for additional charges.
The passenger was released pending further investigation.
“This was the second case for street crimes in seven days,” Sursely said. “We had another one on Wheeler earlier this week.”
Sursely said the two cases were not connected.
A week earlier, on April 3, the Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit arrested Steven Johnston at the Cougar Campgrounds in the town of Wheeler. Detectives recovered around $7,000, 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine, three ounces of suspected psilocybin mushrooms, two rifles and a 3-D printer.
Johnston was booked into the Grant County Jail for two counts of first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm and possession, delivery or manufacture schedule I or II Narcotics or Flunitrazepam. As of Friday afternoon, he does not have a listed bail amount.
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.