GCSO busy with gun incidents at entertainment venues

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office issued two press releases on Saturday detailing two gun-related situations at two popular locations in Grant County this week. Gorge and Grant County Fair. The GCSO emphasized the diligence of citizens’ role in preventing possible tragedies.

GCSO spokesperson Kyle Foreman said: “We’re grateful they were able to get our attention.”

In an initial release from the GCSO, Grant County lawmakers said they believed they intercepted a possible shooting at the Gorge Amphitheater on Friday night.

Jonathan R. Moody, a 30-year-old Ephrata resident, was seen inhaling an unknown substance or gas from a balloon and loading two 9mm pistols from the trunk of his car, according to the release. Moody had one pistol hidden behind his waistband and another in a holster outside his waistband. asked where to leave the venue.

Citizens and security officers notified the GCSO of their observations and concerns around 9:00 pm.

Foreman said Moody has a concealed carry permit, but is on Gorge property when doing so and has no weapons ban policy.

Moody was detained and disarmed by LiveNation security outside the venue gates. According to his release, an investigation resulted in lawmakers arresting Moody on one count of possession of a dangerous weapon and his one count of illegally carrying or handling a weapon, and placed him in Grant County Jail.

Foreman pointed out that Moody’s possession of a firearm was not the only reason for his arrest, explaining that Moody’s suspicious behavior combined with the weapon led agents to detain and arrest him.

“Obviously, if you’re just carrying a firearm legally, there’s no problem,” Foreman said.

Moody has not issued any statements to lawmakers, according to the release.

A second incident involving weapons also occurred on Friday, but at the Grant County Fair.

A second release said a 15-year-old boy was arrested after several fights broke out in an incident of youth violence earlier this week and on Friday evening. The arrested boy was in possession of a handgun.

There were no shots fired and no one received medical attention in either incident on Friday night.

Foreman said additional law enforcement officers from across Grant County are on hand tonight to prevent further incidents, from those involved in the incident earlier this week and those looking for opportunities.

“The public expects a high level of security at any event, any public event, whether it’s a Grant County Fair, a concert, or any other event with a large crowd,” Foreman said. I think,” he said. “So we’re trying to make it happen.”

GCSO wants to remind and thank people to say something when they see something.

Rebecca Pettingill can be reached at rpettingill@columbiabasinherald.com.