SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF LOG

Notice from Sheriff Bill Cumming

posted 02/15/2010Even in 'normal times', basic security of your property should be practiced. We all know we have not been in 'normal times' for some time now, both locally and nationally. I am asking our entire community to stop and access your personal practices when it comes to protecting your property.

Our island community has recently been subjected to those who don't give it a second thought when taking advantage of our neighbors and friends. Our life style of trust, slow pace, and resistance to even the basics of personal security makes it easier for them. It doesn't take a lot of effort to steal a boat when the keys are left in the ignition or hidden but easily found.

Many homes, though not all, that have been broken into are isolated, unalarmed, and inhabited only part time. Neighbors are not apprised of your scheduled departures and arrivals. They have no idea when someone is authorized or not to be on your property.

We have routinely found businesses with doors or windows unlocked, easily breached locks, and with large amounts of easily discovered cash. Many of us still leave the keys in our cars.

It is time for all of us personally access ourselves when it comes to security. We can do this.

Get to know and talk to your neighbors. Let them know your schedules. Lock your house, and those who are isolated, consider alarming your house. Alarm your business. There are many very reliable home and business alarm systems that notify the Sheriff's Office immediately

of an activated alarm. We do respond to all alarm activations, 24/7. Be sure to install those systems that are reliable so we can avoid 'false' alarms.

Do not leave your keys in your vehicle OR your aircraft. Turn off fuel sources in your boat and aircraft. Upgrade your locking systems wherever you want to prevent someone from entering.

Wipe down all your surfaces that a criminal may leave evidence. Windows, counters, doorknobs, are just a few of the places that physical evidence may be left. Gravel surfaces that may leave foot prints or tire tracks should be smoothed if possible.

Most of all, we need to think security. The Sheriff's Office is working very hard to help and protect our community. With out a doubt, "law enforcement is everybody's business", and working together, we can make a difference.

Barefoot Burglar suspected of
flying stolen plane to Orcas

posted 02/11/2010
A plane stolen from Anacortes hard-landed at Eastsound Airport early this morning (Thursday, Feb. 11). It is the same type of plan taken from Friday Harbor and flown to Orcas last summer. That incident allegedly involved Colton Harris-Moore, the barefoot burglar.

San Juan County Sheriff's Office is investigating the plane theft and a break in at the Orcas Home Grown Market, discovered Thursday morning, which is also similiar to other crimes Harris is suspected of committing.

The detectives are concentrating part of their efforts on identifying and collecting physical evidence from these crime scenes and will have the WSP Mobile Crime Scene Team on scene. Other outside local agencies, as well as federal agencies are working on this case. Harris, the "person of interest" is suspected of multiple crimes outside San Juan County.

If you see him or have any information please call the sheriff's department at 378.4151 or 9-1-1. He is known to have had weapons.

Man grazed by shotgun pellet when shooter misses otter

posted 02/10/10
A 32-year-old San Juan Island man was arrested on charges of reckless endangerment after he took three shots in the dark at an otter that lived under his porch. One shot richocheted and grazed his neighbor on the neck.

The neighbor was standing on his own porch 150 yards away when the pellet from the 20 gauge shotgun hit him. He had come outside, after hearing the first shot, to see what was going on. After being shot, he refused medical treatment.

The shooter appeared in Wednesday and was released pending further investigation. Sheriff Bill Cumming expects the investigation to be completed Wednesday afternoon and a report forwarded to the prosecuting attorney's office. The state Fish and Wildlife Department will be notified since it is against the law to kill otters. It is also against the law to kill raccoons unless they are in the act of killing your livestock or pets.

Sheriff log for January 2010

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