Grant County Sheriff’s Office Gives Update on Mae Valley Incident

The Grant County Sheriff's Office provided an update Monday to the investigation of a carjacking in the Mae Valley area last week that resulted in several motorists being forced from the road during the ensuing pursuit.

Law enforcement initially received a call from a victim who had his car stolen at gun point around 7:20 am October 28th. He said he was approached by two men in a red Dodge Charger. The driver had pointed a gun at him, while the passenger got into the victim's 2002 Honda passenger car and drove away.

This prompted a chase involving about 30 members of law enforcement. Grant County PIO Kyle Foreman said 35-year-old Martin Juarez was taken into custody after striking a deputy's SUV to end the pursuit. There were no injuries.

Juarez's accomplice, 41-year-old Elizar Ramos, was later arrested in a home on Dusty Street in Moses Lake after the Dodge was spotted partially concealed in the driveway.

The investigation continued throughout the weekend.

"So the two suspects claimed that they were out searching for work." explained Foreman, "There is one other party who's involved that they allege told them to go see the person who owned the car. We're still trying to find out if there is any connection between the suspects and the carjacking victim."

Juarez was booked in the Grant County Jail on suspicion of first degree robbery, attempting to elude police, resisting arrest, obstruction, and an outstanding felony warrant. Ramos was arrested for first-degree robbery.