Sheriff seeks violent burglars

Published 6:00 pm Wednesday, August 2, 2006

The Island County Sheriff’s Office is looking for two suspects in a daylight burglary that turned violent in North Whidbey Friday.

Commander Mike Beech said that a 32-year-old Henni Road resident returned home at about 4:45 p.m. and noticed that the screen was off a window in the front of the house.

Instead of calling 911, the man went inside to investigate and was accosted by two burglars. Beech said the two intruders rushed the homeowner and “beat him about the head and body” with hands, fists and a broomstick.

The burglars stole a wad of cash and drove away in an older, blue, four-door sedan.

Beech said the victim sustained bruising all over his body, but no serious injuries. Medics treated him at his home.

The first suspect is a white man, six-foot, 160 to 180 pounds, with piercing blue eyes, and dirty blond, shoulder-length hair that falls in his face. He is described as scruffy and skinny, and reportedly, in his late teens or early 20s.

The other suspect is a Hispanic male, about five-foot-five, 150 pounds, with a stocky athletic build, and short, black crewcut hair. He may be slightly older than the other suspect.

Beech warns residents not to enter their home if they suspect a burglary.

“If you notice something is wrong or strange,” he said, “you should call us immediately.”

Anyone with any information about the suspects should call Beech at 678-4422.