PORT HADLOCK — Two people arrested near Old Tarboo Lake Road in the Qullcene area with a cache of stolen property that included cars and electronics were the topic of a recent Washington’s Most Wanted TV episode.
Kristofer T. Nickerson, 32, of unincorporated Kitsap County and Ericka L. Nitz, 25, of Bainbridge Island remained in the Jefferson County jail in Port Hadlock on Wednesday after they were arrested Tuesday.
Jefferson County Sheriff Joe Nole has said the arrest broke up a theft ring.
The Washington’s Most Wanted segment, taped on Bainbridge Island on Sept. 14, aired that day and Sept. 24, according to David Rose, its executive producer and host for Q13 Fox News of Seattle.
The show, which Rose said has led to the capture of 571 fugitives since 2008, gets requests for help from local police departments.
“Bainbridge Island police are asking for the public’s help finding a couple on the run,” the TV show’s narrator said. “Kristopher Nickerson and Ericka Nitz have extensive criminal histories.”
“’Last weekend we believe there was a car prowl allegedly committed by them. The credit cards that were taken by them were used illegally here on the island,’ Bainbridge Police Chief Matthew Hamner said.
“Hamner said he is especially concerned about the public’s safety because Nickerson has a history of carrying and using guns during crimes. Both are wanted by the state Department of Corrections and have no-bail warrants.
“Nickerson also has a warrant for arrest in Thurston County for theft.”
Rural hideout
But the TV show had nothing to do with what lead to their arrests in a rural area of Jefferson County.
The two were found on a spur off Old Tarboo Lake Road after security guards employed by Pacific Mountain Products, which leases the land from Pope Resources, reported an illegal encampment.
Authorities said they made a hideout in the remote area after drilling through locks on gated access roads to gain entry.
When deputies arrived, Nickerson ran and was captured, while Nitz was taken into custody without incident, Nole said.
On site was a trailer that was reported stolen from a recreational-vehicle lot in Silverdale and a Toyota Tacoma truck that was stolen from Port Orchard, deputies said.
A third vehicle, a Honda, was not stolen, deputies said, but they suspect it was involved in the Friday theft from the Port Townsend Safeway of a maroon Mazda Protege, which is still missing.
“We can only speculate where the Mazda is at right now,” said Port Townsend Police Officer Luke Bogues on Wednesday.
Recovered goods include two motor vehicles along with several iPads, iPods and cellphones, Nole said, adding that by Wednesday, several of the items had been traced to a break-in on Mount Walker.
In addition to the property officials believe was stolen in Jefferson County, the two are wanted in the investigation into the Sept. 13 car prowl in Bainbridge Island and the arrest warrant on theft in Thurston County.
Nickerson is being held in Jefferson County for investigation of second-degree theft-taking of a motor vehicle, criminal impersonation, making false or misleading statements to a public servant, first-degree possession of stolen property and a probation/supervision violation. Bail has been set at $75,000.
Nitz is being held for investigation of a controlled substance violation, second-degree theft-taking of a motor vehicle, first-degree possession of stolen property, third-degree possession of stolen property and making false/misleading statements to a public servant. Bail has been set at $10,000.
Nickerson has a tattoo of the cartoon character, Felix the Cat, holding a knife on his left arm and some writing on the right side of his neck. Both he and Nitz are Bainbridge Island natives.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
