Burglary suspect whistles, deputy answers, Clallam County Sheriff’s Office says

Burglary suspect whistles, deputy answers, Clallam County Sheriff's Office says

SEQUIM — A burglary suspect whistled for help in the predawn hours of Sunday but instead attracted the attention of a sheriff’s deputy, who said the man’s accomplices apparently abandoned him along Cameron Road.

The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office said Richard Allen Welches, 22, of Port Angeles had hidden in bushes after a homeowner discovered three men running from his property in the 20 block of Cameron at 3:52 a.m.

When Deputy Don Kitchen responded, he heard whistling coming from the bushes and discovered Welches.

According to Kitchen, Welches was whistling at a newspaper delivery person, mistaking her for one of his accomplices and hoping they would pick him up.

Welches was booked into the county jail on two counts of second-degree criminal trespass, one count of third-degree theft and possession of a controlled substance. He remained in jail with no bond set Tuesday.

Deputies Tuesday continued seeking the other two men.

Welches matched the description given by another resident who earlier had reported a prowler in the 400 block of Cameron.

The prowler had tried to open the homeowner’s door. Told to leave, he departed, pulling a black-wheeled suitcase.

Kitchen arrested Welches without incident after hearing the whistling and found him in possession of syringes and clothing inside a suitcase, plus a Seattle newspaper.

“I wanted something to read,” Welches reportedly told Kitchen, explaining why he had a copy of The Seattle Times.

Deputies said they found heroin on Welches’ person when they searched him.

The sheriff’s office asks anyone with information on the incident to call 360-417-2262.

_______

Reporter James Casey can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5074, or at jcasey@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

Port Angeles teachers’ union votes to honor paraeducators’ picket line on April 8

Members of the Port Angeles Education Association voted overwhelmingly… Continue reading

Funding needed for Port Townsend homeless shelter

Operation at Legion Hall to close April 30

Port of Port Angeles renews lease for Composite Recycling Technology Center

Agreement covers 26,000 square feet at airport business park

Fire district volunteers lauded

Clallam County Fire District No. 3 recently recognized seven members… Continue reading

Clallam to continue providing deputy to Forks

Contract includes wages, mileage and maintenance reimbursement

Maintenance closes section of Olympic Discovery Trail

A portion of the Olympic Discovery Trail is closed… Continue reading

Hanna Paoluccu of Alexander, N.Y., and Rosie Berg of Nevada City, Calif., members of the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group and working with the Jefferson County Noxious Weed Board, remove poisonous hemlock weed from along the Larry Scott Trail in Port Townsend on Monday. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Poison hemlock removal in Port Townsend

Hanna Paoluccu of Alexander, N.Y., and Rosie Berg of Nevada City, Calif.,… Continue reading

YMCA to build childcare facility

$1-2M still needed for $6.7M project

Port Townsend Police Department recognizes award recipients

The Port Townsend Police Department recognized officers, employees, volunteers… Continue reading

Port Angeles High School evacuated due to bomb threat

Nothing suspicious found, principal says

A tree that has grown out of its tree box and shattered a nearby curb and sidewalk in the 100 block of North Oak Street is among those targeted for removal and replacement in downtown Port Angeles. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Port Angeles tree and sidewalk replacement to begin Monday

The Port Angeles downtown tree and sidewalk replacement project… Continue reading

Grant for Forks treatment plant to be discussed

The Clallam County Opportunity Fund Advisory Board will discuss… Continue reading