PORT ANGELES — Bail was set at $250,000 Monday for a Tacoma man accused of breaking into a Port Angeles antique shop and threatening officers with a meat cleaver.
Timothy J. Rohn, 53, was charged Monday with multiple felonies in connection with a Sunday morning incident in downtown Port Angeles.
The meat cleaver that Timothy Rohn allegedly used to threaten police is shown. (Port Angeles Police Department)
He will be arraigned Jan. 10 on charges of first-degree burglary, second-degree assault with a deadly weapon, first-degree theft and second-degree malicious mischief.
Officers Whitney Fairbanks and T.J. Mueller spotted Rohn in an alley at about 2:40 a.m. while investigating a report of broken glass in the door of the Port Angeles Antique Mall, police said.
“Upon contact, Rohn pulled out a large meat cleaver and held it above his head in a threatening manner,” police said Sunday.
“Rohn ignored multiple commands by officers to drop the weapon. One officer deployed a Taser, but it was not effective. Rohn finally dropped the cleaver and was safely taken into custody.”
Rohn was booked into the Clallam County jail at 5:29 a.m. Sunday. He had a state Department of Corrections escape warrant with a “violent offender” caution, police said.
The door to the antique shop was shattered and multiple pieces of jewelry were found in Rohn’s possession, police said.
A review of surveillance video from Port Angeles Antique Mall showed that the cleaver was used to shatter the door to the business at 109 W. First St.
Clallam County Superior Court Judge Brian Coughenour granted Prosecuting Attorney Mark Nichols’ request for a $250,000 bail for Rohn.
Nichols based his request on community safety concerns, flight risk and Rohn’s criminal history, which includes 2014 convictions for second-degree assault, felony harassment and intimidating a public servant.
“He has significant violent history,” Nichols said in a Monday court hearing.
“The state is very concerned with respect to the violent nature of the allegations at hand.”
Rohn, who appeared in court on a video monitor, made a verbal motion to dismiss the case.
“I’m covered with injuries from the horrific torture I received,” Rohn told the judge.
“It was all on camera and there’s incident reports. It was a crime against humanity.”
Coughenour did not address Rohn’s motion to dismiss and repeatedly asked Rohn if he understood his rights.
“I don’t have the ability to view any of these things that you are alleging,” Coughenour said.
“I’m simply asking you if you understand your rights.”
Rohn said he understood his rights but refused to sign an advice of rights form and other court documents.
“I took a paralegal course in Walla Walla,” Rohn told the judge.
“I’m fully aware of my rights.”
Defense attorney Harry Gasnick said the crimes for which Rohn was convicted in 2014 occurred while he was being treated at Western State Hospital.
Rohn was sent to the state psychiatric hospital after being found not guilty by reason of insanity on a 2005 case, Gasnick said.
Gasnick said Rohn would be facing a third-strike under the state’s “three strikes” law if he were to be convicted on the new charges. A third strike could result in a life sentence.
“We’ll be filing a series of motions,” Gasnick said.
Rohn was alleged to have taken about $8,000 worth of jewelry and other merchandise from the antiques mall, Nichols said.
“When he was confronted by the Port Angeles Police Department shortly thereafter, he was further alleged to have raised a meat cleaver measuring 8 by 3 1/2 inches above his head and taken steps toward Port Angeles Police Department officer Mueller,” Nichols said.
“Officer Fairbanks used a Taser on the defendant after he refused to comply and was heard yelling ‘Shoot me.’”
Damage to the antiques mall included a front window valued at more than $750, Nichols said.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.