The Hermiston police helped the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) arrest an Idaho man who tried to pawn a live smoke grenade to a local business.
According to Hermiston Police Chief Jason Edmiston, the department received word from the ATF that Lerry D. Cogswell, 26, had attempted to sell the grenade to a business in Hermiston.
“The ATF was able to provide us information Cogswell may be operating a gold-colored sedan with an Idaho plate in the front window,” Edmiston said.
Hermiston police spotted the vehicle matching the description around 12:15 a.m. on Thursday, June 19 near the intersection of N. Highway 395 and E. Cornell Place. A check of the vehicle – a 2005 Hyundai Elantra – indicated it was reported stolen out of Meridian, Idaho. Cogswell was driving the car.
An check of the vehicle led to the discovery of a military-issue smoke grenade. Edmiston said the Oregon State Police bomb squad unit was contacted due to the live incendiary nature of the grenade. After the OSP secured the device, the vehicle was impounded.
Cogswell was lodged at the Umatilla County Jail on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of destructive device, carrying a concealed weapon, and driving under the influence of intoxicants.
Cogswell’s passenger, Kayla M. Vierra, 25, also of Nampa, was also detained and lodged on a charge of possession of stolen vehicle. She was also arrested on an outstanding warrant for probation violation.
Edmiston said he was happy his department was able to work with both the ATF and OSP in apprehending Cogswell.
“This was a great example of interaction and communication amongst different agencies,” he said. “Once again the resources provided by the Oregon State Police are incredible.”
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