Stolen guns recovered during man’s eviction from Oak Harbor residence

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Deputies discovered stolen guns during an eviction on North Whidbey Jan. 18, according to court papers.

They arrested Bryan R. Seiler, 33, of Oak Harbor, after he claimed the guns were his, the police report states.

Prosecutors charged Seiler in Island County Superior Court Jan. 24 with two counts of possessing a stolen firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of heroin.

If convicted of the charges, Seiler could face more than two years in prison under the standard sentencing range.

Deputies were at a Falls Creek Loop home to supervise the final eviction of Seiler.

While they were clearing the house, a property manager gave them permission to force open locked bedroom doors. The deputies saw three firearms in cases inside the bedroom.

A Ruger Winchester Magnum and a Smith and Wesson Winchester Magnum had been reported stolen during a Nov. 29 burglary in which five guns had been taken.

Seiler, who had been sitting in a pickup, told a deputy that the guns were his and he wanted them back. After he was told they were stolen, he claimed he had received the firearms from a roommate, whom he told to put them under his bed, according to a deputy’s report.

Later, Seiler told investigators that people had brought the guns to the house to trade for dope from his roommate, the report states.

The deputies searched Seiler’s truck and found a substance suspected of being heroin, the report states.

They also searched the house and found numerous items suspected of being stolen, including coins, silver spoons, jewelry, power tools, cell phones and Christmas presents, according to the report.