A 28-year-old Seattle man is in custody after allegedly shooting another man in a parked vehicle in Moses Lake late Tuesday.
Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the incident near the intersection of Stone Road East and East Stratford Road Northeast around 10:15 p.m. following reports of gunfire.
According to investigators, the 23-year-old victim was sitting inside a stationary vehicle with the suspect, Darwin Tejada Martinez, when the shooting occurred. The two men were together in the car at the time of the incident, though authorities have not disclosed the nature of their relationship or what led to the confrontation.
The victim sustained injuries that law enforcement officials described as non-life-threatening. Medical personnel transported him to Samaritan Healthcare in Moses Lake for treatment. His current condition has not been released.
Deputies arrested Tejada Martinez at the scene on suspicion of first-degree assault. He was subsequently booked into the Grant County Jail, where he awaits formal charges and a bail hearing.
First-degree assault in Washington typically involves intentionally inflicting great bodily harm or assault with a firearm or deadly weapon. The charge carries potential prison sentences of up to life in prison and fines up to $50,000 upon conviction.
Investigators have not revealed what prompted the shooting or whether the two men knew each other prior to Tuesday evening. The confined setting of the parked vehicle suggests some level of prior acquaintance, though authorities have not confirmed this detail.
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that information about the case remains preliminary and could change as the investigation continues. Detectives are working to establish a timeline of events and determine the circumstances that led to the shooting.
No other injuries were reported in connection with the incident. Authorities have not indicated whether they are seeking additional suspects or witnesses.
The shooting occurred in a relatively quiet area of Moses Lake, roughly 100 miles east of Seattle. The distance between Tejada Martinez’s listed residence in Seattle and the shooting location raises questions about why he was in Moses Lake on Tuesday evening, though investigators have not addressed this aspect of the case publicly.
Deputies secured the scene Tuesday night and conducted an investigation that extended into the early morning hours. Evidence collection typically includes firearms, shell casings, vehicle examination, and witness interviews in cases involving shootings in confined spaces like vehicles.
The Grant County Prosecutor’s Office will review the investigation and determine formal charges. Tejada Martinez is scheduled to make an initial court appearance in the coming days, where a judge will consider bail and hear preliminary evidence in the case.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
