Man arrested for Lower Elwha Klallam tribal center crimes

PORT ANGELES — Joseph L. Johnson, alleged to have burglarized the Lower Elwha Klallam tribal center and stolen a car Wednesday, was arrested Saturday at a Port Angeles convenience store.

Port Angeles police, acting on a tip from the tribal police, arrested the 42-year-old Port Angeles man without incident at 1 p.m. at the Grandview Grocery Store, 802 S. C St.

Johnson allegedly broke into the tribal center early Wednesday morning and chased a tribal employee, who was starting the work day, with a screwdriver.

The employee was not injured.

Police said he stole a Ford Focus, used by the tribal council, upon fleeing and also took a camera from one of the tribal center’s offices.

Police found the car Friday morning at the Welcome Inn Trailer & RV Park in west Port Angeles.

The arrest was the second for Johnson in over two weeks.

Port Angeles police arrested him Dec. 20 when someone reported him acting suspiciously and he was found in possession of a handgun stolen during a residential burglary the day before.

Johnson was charged in Clallam County Superior Court on Dec. 27 with possession of a stolen firearm, making false or misleading statements to a public servant, unlawful possession of a dangerous weapon and use of drug paraphernalia.

He was released on his own recognizance Dec. 22.

________

Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

Dan Willis of Port Townsend, a docent at the Point Wilson Lighthouse at Fort Worden State Park, conducts a tour for interested visitors on Thursday. The lighthouse was built in 1878 when Congress approved $8,000 for the light and foghorns. Although the facility is still an active U.S. Coast Guard station, the equipment is monitored and operated remotely and no keepers are present. Regular tours on Saturdays and Sundays will resume in May. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Lighthouse tour

Dan Willis of Port Townsend, a docent at the Point Wilson Lighthouse… Continue reading

EMT Teresa DeRousie, center, was recognized for her long service to Clallam County Fire District 2. Presenting the award were Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Denton, left, and Chief Jake Patterson. (Clallam County Fire District 2)
Clallam 2 Fire Rescue hosts awards banquet

Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue recognized career and volunteer members during… Continue reading

Construction set to begin on new marine life center in Port Angeles

Groundbreaking event scheduled for April 8 at Pebble Beach Park

A seal pops its head out of the water as a dory rower propels his craft in the calm waters of the Salish Sea. Whidbey Island is in the distance. Today’s high temperature is forecast to be in the low 50s with partly cloudy skies. Rain is set to return this weekend. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Rowing on the Strait

A seal pops its head out of the water as a dory… Continue reading

Fire protection may impact insurance rates

New protection class considers nuanced data

The view looking south from Hurricane Ridge, where variable winter weather has limited snow coverage and contributed to pauses in snow sports operations in recent weeks. (Washington’s National Park Fund)
Lack of snow has impact at Hurricane Ridge

Water equivalent well below average for February

Port Angeles secures grant to aid in salmon recovery

State Department of Commerce to provide city with $109,000

Tickets still available for United Way of Clallam County fundraiser

Pajamas are encouraged, teddy bears are optional and comfort… Continue reading

Interviews set for hospital board

At least seven candidates up for commissioner seat

Port Angeles asks for fee to cover lodging tax contracts

Resolution sent to committee for administrative costs

Climate action group is guiding reduction goals

Reduced emmissions require reduced transportation footprint