Clarkston man Facing Pair of Felony Charges After Alleged Theft in Ski Mask at Lewiston Gas Station

Mar 30, 2024

Photo: Nez Perce County Jail

LEWISTON - An 18-year-old Clarkston man was arrested by Lewiston Police on Monday morning after allegedly putting on a ski mask and walking into a Lewiston gas station, helping himself to items on the shelf and leaving without paying.

According to court documents, at approximately 1:00 a.m. Monday morning, 18-year-old Zaryc James Moran-Stotz was spotted in the area of 76 gas station on 16th Avenue. Minutes earlier, the gas station attendant on duty had called 911 to report a masked male had allegedly stolen "an arm full of stuff." The male had reportedly taken off on foot and headed west on 16th Avenue.

According to court documents, when a police officer arrived in the area and spotted Moran-Stotz, he seemed startled by their presence and ran around the back of Southway Pizzeria. The officer followed. Once behind the building, Moran-Stotz allegedly pulled a pair of handguns out of his pockets and pointed them straight up in the air. The officer then un-holsterd his firearm and Moran-Stotz then put his guns on the ground. He was then quickly placed in handcuffs.

A knit hoody, black ski mask and red and black gloves were allegedly found behind the pizzeria, in close proximity was the Moran-Stotz's backpack containing his identification. According to court documents, the two handguns recovered were a .40 caliber and a 9mm. The .40 caliber had a round in the chamber. Both guns had loaded magazines.

Inside the backpack was a plastic vial containing 3.3 grams of suspected methamphetamine, say the documents.

Due to the circumstances surrounding the theft, Moran-Stotz was charged with felony burglary. He is also facing a felony charge for possession of methamphetamine. He was issued a misdemeanor citation for resisting and obstructing for running from the officer when he was told to stop.

Moran-Stotz appeared in court Monday. Judge Sunil Ramalingam set bond at $10,000.

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