RICHLAND, Wash. – A man was arrested by Richland Police Department (RPD) officers on Wednesday after a burglary report led to his capture. The suspect had an active Department of Corrections warrant, and the U.S. Marshals Task Force had planned to arrest him.
Before the arrest, officers were called to a burglary at an apartment complex on Duportail Street, a location that was previously associated with the suspect. An off-duty security officer reported that his apartment was broken into while he was walking his dog, and multiple items were stolen, including car keys, personal belongings and a rifle.
The victim later spotted the suspect driving his stolen vehicle and alerted police. With probable cause for multiple felonies, RPD officers in collaboration with SWAT personnel placed the suspect under surveillance and devised a tactical plan for a safe arrest.
Officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop around 10 a.m. as Smith attempted to leave the area. He was taken into custody without incident.
A search warrant was served at Smith’s residence, where officers recovered the stolen property, including the rifle, and two additional handguns. One of the handguns was reported stolen from Oregon.
Smith was booked on his warrant, with additional charges filed for burglary, firearm theft, unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of stolen property.
