Basin City Armed Robbery Suspect Captured

Thanks to the watchful eyes of a Washington State Patrol trooper, the suspect from last Sunday evening's armed robbery in Basin City is behind bars.

Franklin County authorities say 33-year-old Elias Bustos was spotted driving the same white compact pickup seen at the armed robbery at the Sandoval Market in Basin City. A Washington State Patrol trooper saw him on East Lewis Street, and pulled him over and arrested him.

Bustos was identified as having likely stolen the truck, he had a passenger, 32-year-old Travis Shandy, who was also arrested on an outstanding warrant. Information from Bustos then led Sheriff's Deputies to the Baymont Motel in Kennewick, where the actual robbery suspect, 37-year-old Joel Vasquez (pictured) was arrested. He's now facing 1st Degree Armed robbery charges.

It is not yet known if Bustos assisted Vasquez in the actual robbery.