MEDICAL LAKE – Spokane County Sheriff’s Office arrested a burglary suspect who was found inside sleeping in a commercial building near Medical Lake on Nov. 3.
The Sheriff’s office, with assistance from Airway Heights Police saw Russell Garner, 59, through a large hole in the side of the building sleeping on a couch with a blanket on him inside a business on State Route 902 and South Bartholomew Road.
The incident began when an alarm sounded as Garner entered the business. The alarm company observed an unknown man on video and contacted the Sheriff’s office. Upon arrival, the officers noted signs of forced entry, including a broken window with a hole large enough for someone to climb through.
Despite several commands for the suspect to come out, there was no initial response. Eventually, an officer spotted Garner lying on a couch inside, covered with a blanket. After repeated announcements, Garner acknowledged the deputies and complied by showing his hands.
Once an employee arrived to unlock the building, deputies took Garner into custody without incident.
Garner explained that he was walking toward Seattle when he became extremely cold. To find shelter, he used a rock to break the window, entered the building, and found a couch to lie down on under a blanket for warmth.
No other individuals were found inside, and the estimated damage to the property exceeded $750. Following a medical evaluation, Garner was booked into the Spokane County Jail on felony charges of second-degree burglary and second-degree malicious mischief. During his court appearance, Spokane County Superior Court Commissioner E. Cruz set his bond at $250.
Reader Comments(0)