Mount Vernon man charged in fruitless burglary

A 19-year-old Mount Vernon man was charged in connection with an unusual burglary in North Whidbey last month, court documents indicate.

Prosecutors charged Forrest Nelson in Island County Superior Court Jan. 20 with residential burglary. The charge includes an “aggravating factor” because the victim was allegedly present during the burglary.

Nelson pleaded not guilty Feb. 1. He could face from six to 12 months in prison under the standard sentencing range.

Deputy Chris Garden with the Island County Sheriff’s Office reported that he responded to a report of a burglary at a home on Monkey Hill Road Jan. 13.

The resident reported that he was in his house and working on his computer when he heard the front door open and the dog bark. He went outside and saw two men feeding rolls to his dog. He chased someone around the house and then found a sliding glass door open.

According to the report, the resident went inside and surprised an intruder, who he recognized as Nelson. Nelson was rummaging through dresser drawers and reached into a change container when he saw the resident; Nelson bolted through the house, dropping change as he went, and went out the front door, the report states.

The resident chased Nelson but was unable to catch him. The two other men started to drive away in a turquoise Honda Accord and the resident unsuccessfully tried to stop the car, damaging the mirrors and a sunroof. The car went down the driveway and picked up Nelson on the way out, the report states.

Contact Whidbey News Times Assistant editor Jessie Stensland at jstensland@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360.675.6611 ext. 5056.

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