I-5 stop: Dog carrier in rental car hides one pound of meth

February 2nd, 2018
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Tiana M. Good, in green, faces a judge as Michael A. Esparza looks on in Lewis County Superior Court

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – Local drug detectives and personnel with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration tracked the driver of a high end rental car up Interstate 5 into Chehalis yesterday and subsequently seized just over a pound of methamphetamine tucked into a dog carrier in the vehicle.

They also located what was described as a large bundle of U.S. currency in numerous denominations as well as a loaded pistol when they searched the car.

Michael A. Esparza, 23, and Tiana M. Good, 24, who live together in Lynnwood, were arrested and booked into the Lewis County Jail. They were charged today in Lewis County Superior Court with possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver.

The duo had just traveled 20 hours straight from the Los Angeles area when they were pulled over yesterday evening, according to court documents.

Temporary defense attorney Rachael Tiller told a judge this afternoon Good is a full-time accounting student at Edmonds Community College and Esparza is self employed as a barber. Lewis County Deputy Prosecutor Paul Masiello pointed out Esparza had California identification when bail was discussed.

Neither appeared to have any criminal convictions, according to the two lawyers.

Her bail was set at $10,000. His at $20,000.

Charging documents in the case state it was about 5:35 p.m. when law enforcement officers identified Esparza as the driver of a dark gray 2017 Chrysler 300C with Washington license plates. They knew his driving privileges were suspended and revoked.

A detective with the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team positively identified Esparza as the driver during “rolling” surveillance, according to the documents.

Lewis County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Dan Riordan stopped the car on northbound Interstate 5 at milepost 74.

Good had a small white dog on her lap, according to Masiello.

A Clark County deputy and his drug-sniffing K-9 were summoned, because Esparza had a “suspicious story” of his travels from California and being in a high-end rental car, according to the documents.

The car was searched, after the K-9 showed an interest in the interior of the car, according to the documents.

Lewis County Deputy Prosecutor Joel DeFazio wrote in charging documents that a large ziplock baggie containing large shards and a white crystal substance was located inside the soft-sided dog carrier. A sample of the approximately 461 grams field-tested positive for meth, according to DeFazio.

DeFazio states in the documents that under the passenger seat was a Springfield XD 40 caliber pistol, with a loaded magazine in the well. A records check showed it was stolen in Pierce County on Dec. 19, 2016.

Court appointed lawyers were assigned to Esparza  and Good. Their arraignments were scheduled for Feb. 15.

Sirens: Daily police and fire roundup

February 2nd, 2018
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•••

TEEN ASSAULTED

• Centralia police called just after 9 p.m. yesterday to the 2800 block of Russell Road learned that two males, one juvenile and one adult, assaulted a 14-year-old boy who sustained minor injuries. The investigation is ongoing, according to the Centralia Police Department.

UNRULY UNMATES

• Chehalis police were called over the Green Hill School about 9:25 a.m. yesterday to investigate an incident in which a student-inmate allegedly hit a staff member and also threw urine under the door of his quarters. The episode from Jan. 25 led to a referral to prosecutors for charges of custodial assault plus felony harassment, according to the Chehalis Police Department. The 18-year-old suspect remains at the juvenile detention facility.

• An inmate at the Lewis County Jail who allegedly threw a phone damaging a $1,500 kiosk yesterday was booked on a fresh offense of second-degree malicious mischief, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office. A deputy was called about 9 p.m. yesterday to investigate and watched video footage showing the incident, according to the sheriff’s office. Jevon J.M. Sykes, 21, from Auburn, remains in the  Lewis County Jail

AND MORE

• And, as usual, other incidents such as arrests for warrants, shoplifting, probation violation, driving with suspended license, driving under the influence; responses for alarm, dispute, harassment, trespassing, civil issue, vehicle collision, suspicious circumstances … and more among 117 calls for local law enforcement and / or fire-emergency medical services in the 24-hour period ending about 7 a.m.

Sheriff: Truckload of stolen property recovered

February 2nd, 2018
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Suspected stolen property from multiple burglaries. / Courtesy photo by Lewis County Sheriff’s Office

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – Sheriff’s deputies filled a 22-foot cargo trailer with what is believed to be stolen property collected yesterday at a home on the 100 block of Romerman Road in Chehalis.

The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant about 3 p.m. at the residence which was once occupied by David Dehaven, 32, and his 38-year-old acquaintance Carly Holmes. Both are currently in custody at the Lewis County Jail for charges filed last month by prosecutors for theft, theft of a motor vehicle and robbery, according to the sheriff’s office.

Chief Deputy Bruce Kimsey said deputies are matching the property recovered to about 10 burglaries and other crimes from Centralia to Winlock that go back to August.

Sheriff Rob Snaza said in a press release his office will continue to pursue those who break the law and those that choose to victimize citizens.

“The hard work of our deputies will result in several victims being able to have their stolen property returned to them,” Snaza stated. “Property crimes are devastating on those that work hard and provide for their families.”

Deputies will be sorting through what they found and contacting victims to come to the sheriff’s office’s evidence facility to identify their belongings, according to Kimsey.

Anyone with information on these crimes or any other crime, is asked to contact the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office at 360-748-9286.

Sirens: Daily police and fire roundup

February 1st, 2018
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•••

ASSAULT

• Centralia police yesterday afternoon investigated a domestic assault associated with the 1000 block of Marion Street. A summons was requested for a suspect, according to the Centralia Police Department.

• Centralia police responded just before 11 a.m. yesterday to the 2800 block of Russell Road for an alleged fourth-degree domestic assault. A summons was requested for a suspect, according to the Centralia Police Department.

• Chehalis police were called about 9:50 a.m. yesterday to Green Hill School at the 300 block of Southwest 11th Street to take a report of an alleged custodial assault.

BREAK-IN CENTRALIA

• Police were called about 9:10 a.m. yesterday for a burglary at the 700 block of Harrison Avenue. Forced entry was made through a back window, according to the Centralia Police Department. Cash and the camera system were stolen, according to police.

AUTO THEFT

• A 1998 Nissan 200SX was reported stolen about 1:45 p.m. yesterday from the 2400 block of Borst Avenue in Centralia, according to the Centralia Police Department.

FRAUD

• Centralia police were called about 6:45 p.m. yesterday to the 500 block of South Tower Avenue where someone had tried to pass a check in which the payee had been whited out and changed.

• Centralia police were called to the 200 block of West Main Street about 10 a.m. yesterday regarding a check deposited several months ago was being returned as altered.

VANDALISM

• Centralia police took a report about 4:15 p.m. yesterday of graffiti on the side of a garage at the 400 block of West Center Street.

AND MORE

• And, as usual, other incidents such as arrests for warrants, shoplifting, driving with suspended license, driving with no driver’s license; responses for dispute, harassment, trespassing, civil issue, vehicle collision, disorderly person, suspicious circumstances … and more among 162 calls for local law enforcement and / or fire-emergency medical services in the 24-hour period ending about 7 a.m.

Pets lost in Chehalis house fire

February 1st, 2018
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Flames rise from home on Southwest 12th Street in Chehalis on Wednesday night. / Courtesy photo by Mike Kroll

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – Two people were able to escape a burning home in Chehalis last night but a dog and cat perished.

Firefighters called at 9:54 p.m. to the 100 block of Southwest 12th Street found fire at the front of the house, according to the Chehalis Fire Department.

“About half the house was involved, the occupants were able to exit the rear,” Fire Chief Ken Cardinale said this morning.

The crew was joined by personnel from Riverside Fire Authority, Lewis County Fire District 6 and Lewis County Fire District 5, Cardinale said.

He estimated $50,000 to $75,000 damage to the single-story, wood frame house. It’s not inhabitable, but might be repairable, the chief said.

The cause is under investigation.

Sirens: Daily police and fire roundup

January 31st, 2018
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•••

Updated

SUSPECTED INTRUDER INTO ELDERLY WOMAN’S HOME JAILED

• A 29-year-old man was arrested yesterday following witnesses identifying him as the person seen on security video inside an 85-year-old Winlock woman’s home while she was sleeping. Devin K. Lang was contacted at his residence in Ethel just after 6 a.m. yesterday and booked into the Lewis County Jail for residential burglary, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office. Chief Deputy Bruce Kimsey said the investigation began when deputies were called just before 7 o’clock on Thursday to the 200 block of Nikula Road in Winlock. The woman’s family members had set up surveillance video in her home and were reviewing the footage when they saw a person walking around inside the home, through the kitchen, the living room and into the bedroom where the victim was sleeping. They observed the person put something in his pocket before leaving out the door, Kimsey said. Deputies discovered entry had been made through  a bathroom window, according to the sheriff’s office. Kimsey said the family members, but not the victim, knew the suspect.

PROSECUTORS: CHILD TOSSED OVER COUCH

• A 41-year-old man arrested last night for allegedly pulling his ex-girlfriend’s feet out from under her as she was walking up stairs to her Centralia apartment was also arrested for allegedly assaulting his 12-year-old daughter in a previous incident. Gunner J. Genzel was charged today in Lewis County Superior Court with third-degree assault of a child and fourth-degree assault. His bail was set at $50,000. Charging documents in the case state a deputy was called just after 8 p.m. yesterday for a dispute at the 2000 block of Harrison Avenue in Centralia. His former girlfriend said she was trying to get her apartment key back from him when he grabbed her feet causing her to slam into the steps, the documents relate. She asked her two children to call 911. During questioning, the deputy learned of an episode that happened earlier this month at the same location. The ex-girlfriend and Genzel’s daughter stated he had grabbed the daughter around her neck, dragged her inside the apartment and tossed her over the couch onto the floor, according to the allegations. His arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 8.

DANGEROUS WEAPON AT SCHOOL

• Chehalis police were called about 11:15 a.m. yesterday to the 300 block of Southwest 16th Street to investigate a report a student had brass knuckles on school grounds. The case regarding the 15-year-old boy is being referred to prosecutors for a possible charge of possession of a dangerous weapon, according to the Chehalis Police Department.

FRAUD

• Chehalis police were called about 12:50 p.m. yesterday by a woman who reported someone had made deposits into her bank account and withdrawn them the following day without her permission, in a case associated with the 400 block of North Market Boulevard.

ALCOHOL HAUL

• Chehalis police were contacted about 3:50 p.m. yesterday by a business on the 1100 block of South Market Boulevard to take a report of a theft a few days prior in which someone stole $1,100 worth of liquor.

DRUGS

• A 35-year-old homeless woman was arrested for possession of methamphetamine after a sheriff’s detective recognized her as someone he wanted to talk with, as she was riding a BMX bicycle about 10:40 a.m. yesterday at Harrison Avenue near the Interstate 5 onramp. She was arrested and bag inside her pocket contained a needle and a bag containing suspected meth, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office. Sherri L. Scott was booked into the Lewis County Jail, according to the sheriff’s office.

VANDALISM

• Centralia police were called about 9:30 a.m. yesterday to the 300 block of West Pine Street where someone had damaged the ignition on a car in a possible attempt to steal it.

• A window on a vehicle parked at the 300 block of South Iron Street in Centralia was broken, according to  report made to police about 5:10 p.m. yesterday.

• Centralia police were called just before 10 a.m. yesterday regarding graffiti tagged on a fence in an alley near the 1300 block of Oxford Avenue.

FROM THE COURTHOUSE

• An 18-year-old student-inmate from Green Hill School in Chehalis accused of sexual assault of his cell mate was brought before a judge today in Lewis County Superior Court. Andrew E. Umino was charged late last year with second-degree rape for an incident investigated by Chehalis police in September. The 19-year-old roommate told police that four days earlier after lights out, Umino got angry, pushed him into a corner and began hitting him, according to court documents. He said Umino told him to suck on his penis or he would beat him, the documents relate. Afterward, he said if he told anyone, he would kill him, Lewis County Senior Deputy Prosecutor Will Halstead wrote in the charging documents. Umino was released back to Green Hill School following this afternoon’s hearing. His arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 8.

• Arrest warrants were issued yesterday for a father and son who were allegedly unlawfully growing marijuana plants at a Curtis Hill Road property. Joseph A. Watson, 59, and Derek J. Watson, 30, were summonsed to appear yesterday afternoon in Lewis County Superior Court based on charges of manufacture of marijuana which were filed earlier this month. They didn’t show up, according to prosecutors. Charging documents in the case state that Joseph Watson arrived home to find deputies there on Oct. 4 and told them he believed the law said they could grow four plants on the property without getting into trouble. He said he had about 20 plants. The deputies seized 23 plants. Deputy Sgt. Dan Riordan spoke with the son on the phone, and the son told Riordan that Riordan was wrong about the laws, Lewis County Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecutor Brad Meagher wrote in charging documents. Neither suspect had valid medical marijuana authorization, according to Meagher.

AND MORE

• And, as usual, other incidents such as arrests for warrants, shoplifting, misdemeanor domestic assault, driving under the influence, driving with suspended license; responses for dispute, harassment, vehicle collision, misdemeanor theft, suspicious circumstances … and more among 156 calls for local law enforcement and / or fire-emergency medical services in the 24-hour period ending about 7 a.m.

Sirens: Daily police and fire roundup

January 30th, 2018
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•••

Updated at 12:45 p.m.

KNIFE THREAT

• Chehalis police are investigating an incident from about 5:30 p.m. yesterday in which an individual reported another person pulled a knife and made a threat in a parking lot outside a business at the 100 block of Southwest Interstate Avenue. The suspect and reporting party are young men who know each other, according to the Chehalis Police Department.

FIREARM THREAT

• Chehalis police arrested a 21-year-old Ethel resident after getting called around 9:35 a.m. on Sunday about a male making a threat with a gun in connection with a residence on the 600 block of Northwest Middle Street. Dakota S. Deuel was subsequently taken into custody without incident and booked into the Lewis County Jail for first-degree domestic assault and harassment, according to the Chehalis Police Department.

• A 33-year-old Vader man was arrested on Saturday for allegedly pointing a revolver at his wife as well as firing a bullet which struck a couch at a home on the 2000 block of state Route 506 in Vader. The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office reported yesterday the incident took place about 7 p.m. on Thursday and there were witnesses who provided information about it. Nathan D. Tannert was booked into the Lewis County Jail for first-degree assault and felony harassment, according to the sheriff’s office.

UNWELCOME PASSENGER

• Police were called about 12:30 p.m. on Sunday and told a 44-year-old man had gotten into the passenger seat of a vehicle while it was at a stoplight, but the driver told him to get out of the car after driving a short distance. It happened near Harrison Avenue and Interstate 5, according to the Centralia Police Department. A suspect was found by police hiding in some bushes. Jeffery E. Lane, 44, of Newport, North Carolina, was arrested for vehicle prowl and was booked into the Lewis County Jail, according to police.

BURGLARY GLENOMA

• The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office reported yesterday it appears entry was made through a kitchen window in a residential burglary at the 100 block of Belcher Road in Glenoma that was investigated on Saturday morning. Among the valuables stolen were gift cards, a phone and $800 in change, according to the sheriff’s office. It happened between 3 p.m. on Friday and 3 a.m. on Saturday, Chief Deputy Bruce Kimsey said.

BURGLARY CENTRALIA

• Centralia police responded about 1:20 a.m. yesterday for a report of  break-in to a business on the 500 block of East Summa Street. The burglary alarm sounded and the suspects fled the scene prior to the arrival of police, according to the Centralia Police Department.

• Cash and a cash drawer were stolen in a nighttime burglary to a business at the 500 block of Harrison Avenue in Centralia, according to a report made to police about 12:35 p.m. on Sunday, according to the Centralia Police Department.

• Centralia police were called about 5:20 p.m. on Sunday for a burglary to a vacant residence at the 400 block of Courtland Street.

BURGLARY MINERAL

• The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office reported yesterday that two ATVs and other items were stolen in a break-in to a cabin, garage and storage buildings at the 100 block of Mineral Hill Road sometime between Dec. 25 and last Wednesday.

AUTO THEFT

• Centralia police were called about 5:30 a.m. today to take a report of the theft of a red 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt from the 400 block of West Magnolia Street by a known suspect. The vehicle has a license plate reading ANS 2780, according to the Centralia Police Department.

• Centralia police took a report from the 500 block of East Summa Street about 11:30 a.m. yesterday regarding a vehicle rented the first week in December which was never returned but was recovered in Wickenburg Arizona.

FRAUD

• A Chehalis resident reported on Friday afternoon fraudulent charges from out of state were discovered on his bank card, according to the Chehalis Police Department.

• Chehalis police were called  to the 1500 block of South Market Boulevard just after 1 p.m. on Friday regarding suspected fraudulent checks. They are investigating.

CAR PROWL

• Centralia police were called about 10 a.m. on Monday by an individual who reported someone prowled their vehicle and possibly tried to steal it at the 800 block of West Pear Street.

• Chehalis police were called to the 300 block of Southwest McFadden Avenue about 9:45 a.m. on Friday following the discovery that someone had prowled a vehicle parked near the residence and stolen approximately $1,200 worth of tools.

MISSING WALLET

• An individual reported on Sunday morning that her wallet was stolen while she was at a drinking establishment at the 100 block of South Tower Avenue in Centralia.

ATTEMPTED INTRUSION

• Chehalis police were called yesterday to take a report from an individual at the 500 block of Northeast Washington Avenue who said that around 9 p.m. the night before, while they were inside their shed, someone outside tried to open the door but they yelled and the person left.

DRUGS

• A 14-year-old student was released to parents and a case was referred to juvenile prosecutors for possession of a controlled substance after police were called to Chehalis Middle School just after 1 p.m. on Friday in connection with marijuana on school property, according to the Chehalis Police Department.

• A 32-year-old Chehalis man with an outstanding warrant was arrested for possession of methamphetamine when a deputy was involved in a civil eviction at the 700 block of Southwest Chehalis Avenue in Chehalis about 9:15 a.m. on Friday, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office. Lorenzo Tagle was was booked into the Lewis County Jail, according to the sheriff’s office.

ON THE ROAD, OFF THE ROAD

• A Glenoma woman was transported to Morton General Hospital with a head injury when a vehicle in which she was a passenger struck a guard rail at the 100 block of Boyd Road in Randle on Saturday night, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office. The Suzuki Sidekick driven by a 21-year-old Glenoma man sustained major damage in the approximately 11 p.m. wreck, the sheriff’s office reports.

• Firefighters called about 12:40 p.m. yesterday to a driveway on the 200 block of Centralia-Alpha Road found a pickup truck well-involved in fire with flames consuming the engine and passenger compartments. They extinguished it. The driver reported he had been making repairs to the carburetor and was taking the vehicle on a test drive when the fire started, according to Riverside Fire Authority.

AND MORE

• And, as usual, other incidents such as arrests for warrants, trespassing, shoplifting, misdemeanor domestic assault, probation violation, driving under the influence, driving with suspended license, obstructing a public servant; responses for alarm, dispute, civil issue, harassment, hit and run, vehicle collision, misdemeanor theft, suspicious circumstances … and more among 237 calls for local law enforcement and / or fire-emergency medical services in the 48-hour period ending about 7 a.m.