Duo arrested at Wawawai Park

Two suspects were arrested Wednesday, Jan. 8, near Wawawai Park on probable charges of possession of drugs with intent to deliver and unlawful possession of firearms, according to a report from Sheriff Brett Myers.

Sheriff Myers said the arrest began as a traffic stop near Wawawai Park at 5 p.m. The driver, identified as Melissa Estep of Kennewick, gave several inconsistent answers when questioned. She said the car had been rented in Spokane, but the deputy learned neither the driver nor the passenger had signed the rental agreement.

The deputy spotted a small scale, the kind used in drug transactions, in the glove compartment of the car. The deputy also later observed a handgun under the passenger seat.

The passenger in the car was identified as Simon Salinas, 55, Pasco, who was later determined to be a convicted felon.

The duo told the deputy they had been to the casino in the valley and had visited friends in Clarkston. They said they became lost as they were attempting to drive home to the Tri-Cities.

A search warrant was later issued and during the search deputies allegedly found two loaded handguns, $5,700 in cash and one ounce of packaged methamphetamine, according to the report.

Estep and Salinas were expected to make a first appearance in superior court last Thursday afternoon.