This is the second case this week where information from the public assisted in identifying and arresting an armed robbery suspect

On Friday (Nov. 22), Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) TDU detectives teamed up with detectives from the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office to arrest the last suspect in a robbery investigation case.

Twenty-three-year-old Moises Pena, of Longview, was arrested on charges of Robbery 1 with a firearm, Unlawful possession of a firearm 1, Assault I and Theft 2.  His identification came after his picture was shared with the media and a member of the public recognized him.  

Detectives with the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office and the Longview Police department were instrumental in arresting all three suspects and helping to resolve this case. 

This is the second case this week where information from the public assisted in identifying and arresting an armed robbery suspect.  As with the other case this week, suspects in this case are suspected of committing additional armed robberies in other jurisdictions and additional charges are anticipated.  The Clark County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the public’s assistance in solving this case. 

Case background

On Nov. 6 at 5:20 p.m., CCSO deputies were dispatched to a report of a robbery that occurred during the sale of a cell phone. The victim told deputies he had communicated with a buyer online and then arranged to meet in person for the transaction. 

Three suspects arrived in a blue Dodge Durango and met the victim at an apartment complex in the Salmon Creek area. One of the suspects took a cell phone from the victim before pointing a gun at his head and pistol-whipping him. The suspect was armed with a semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine.  

Deputies later located and arrested two of the suspects, 18-year-old Howard Osawa and 19-year-old Va’Zjahn Willis, on robbery and trafficking stolen property charges. Investigators also recovered the vehicle and firearm used in the robbery. 

A third suspect was unidentified.  

Detectives believe this group has committed several similar robberies and thefts in the past month, in which they communicated online with victims, met with them in person, and then robbed them. CCSO detectives are working with other law enforcement agencies to bring charges in those cases.  

Information provided by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.