Kidnapping suspect found in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — A man wanted in connection to a kidnapping case out of San Antonio was arrested Tuesday by officers with Moses Lake Police Department, according to police officials. The 16-year-old kidnapping victim, who is not related to the suspect, was also reportedly located unharmed.

Andres Hernandez, 28, was arrested Tuesday morning after officers received information last week that he and his victim were in the Grant County area, and law enforcement circulated the suspect’s vehicle description and license plate number. Local officers received assistance from Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Moses Lake police officials credited Sgt. Dean Gaddis, their “third K9 officer,” for locating Hernandez’ vehicle in the 1100 block of Grape Drive.

“Sgt. Gaddis, who is part bloodhound, set surveillance on the vehicle, and officers were able to take Hernandez into custody this morning,” Moses Lake police wrote in a statement on social media.

“There’s no officer that’s better at tracking people down and finding evidence,” Cpt. Mike Williams said in a brief interview Tuesday.

Hernandez was found in possession of a pistol when he was arrested, and the victim was located nearby and was unharmed, according to police.

While Hernandez was originally booked on his outstanding kidnapping warrant, local police continue to investigate, Williams said. Additional charges may be forthcoming pending an investigation, after which Hernandez will be extradited to Texas.

The victim’s parents were en route from San Antonio Tuesday evening to retrieve their child, according to law enforcement.