Deputies Find Burglar Covered Up with a Blanket, Lying on a Couch

PR 2023

Deputies Find Burglar Covered Up with a Blanket, Lying on a Couch

Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a commercial burglary alarm at a business east of Medical Lake.  They found a broken window and observed an adult male inside on a couch covered with a blanket.  The male was arrested and booked into jail for Burglary 2nd Degree and Malicious Mischief 2nd Degree, both felonies.

On November 3, 2024, at approximately 11:30 pm, Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies, assisted by Airway Heights Police Officers, responded to a commercial alarm at a business near SR. 902 and S. Bartholomew Road, east of Medical Lake.  

The alarm company reported seeing an unknown male on a video inside the business.    

Deputies and Officers arrived and checked the business for signs of forced entry.  On the south side of the building, they observed shattered glass and a hole in the window big enough for someone to climb through.   

They began making announcements for the suspect to exit and surrender, but they did not receive a response.  An Airway Heights Officer advised that he could see a male inside the building on the couch.  

They continued giving announcements, including a PA system, eventually gaining the suspect’s attention.  He followed commands to show his hands.

When an employee arrived, they entered the business and took the suspect, identified as 59-year-old Russell G. Garner, into custody without incident.  

Garner was advised of his rights and agreed to answer questions.  He explained that he was walking toward Seattle and became extremely cold.   Shivering, he went to the business, found a rock, and threw it through the window.  He entered the building and found the couch, where he decided to lie down and cover up with the blanket.  

No one else was found inside, and the employee estimated the cost to repair the damage Garner caused to be over $750.    

Garner was medically evaluated before being transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Burglary 2nd Degree and Malicious Mischief 2nd Degree. 

Garner appeared in Spokane County Superior Court, where Commissioner E. Cruz set his total bond at $250.00.      

Broken Window

This Spokane County Sheriff Office news article "Deputies Find Burglar Covered Up with a Blanket, Lying on a Couch" was originally found on https://www.spokanecounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=7

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