Local News

BURGLARS SURPRISED BY HOMEOWNER WITH BASEBALL BAT

Jan 27, 2014

Two unsuspecting burglars got more than they bargained for when the homeowner returned home and defended himself with a baseball bat.

Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Rogers said on Saturday afternoon, homeowner Dustin C. Smith was out at a birthday party with his wife, when they returned to their home on the Omak-Riverside East Side Road near Dunckel’s Trailer Court to get something.

Rogers said as they entered their residence Smith saw a male and a female burglarizing their home. He said Smith grabbed a baseball bat and hit both the male and the female several times.

Rogers said the male was able to run from the residence but Smith was able to detain the female until law enforcement could arrive.

Officers arrested 20-year-old Shanyce R. Rodriguez, of Omak and Oroville. Rodriguez had minor injuries but was held overnight at Mid-Valley Hospital for a possible concussion before being booked into the Okanogan County Jail on charges of Burglary and Malicious Mischief. He said Deputies are following leads on the male suspect that fled the scene.

The Sheriff said “I am sure he is a little banged up too.” He said Smith said he didn’t know how many times he hit the suspect but several times. Smith said the male suspect was in the back bedroom which was dark at the time. He told officers he wasn’t taking any chances.

Rogers said “While we don’t recommend this all the time, we definitely do not have a problem with Mr. Smith protecting his family or his property, especially in his residence.” He said, “I wonder if these two will think twice the next time they break into someone’s home.”

Rogers added, “Oh yeah..nothing was stolen.”