Three Suspects Caught Stealing Copper Pipe/Wiring from Vacant Home, Causing Over an Estimated $15,000 in Damage
Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a possible burglary at a building believed to be vacant on S. Assembly Road. Three adult male suspects were found inside and detained. Deputies observed sections of copper pipe and electrical wiring that appeared to be removed from large holes in the walls. After contacting the property owner, all three suspects were arrested and booked into jail on several charges.
On June 26, 2024, at approximately 10:00 am, Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the report of a possible burglary in progress on Assembly Road, south of Garden Springs. An alert caller reported seeing three unknown suspects arrive in a gray Buick and enter the vacant building.
Deputies arrived and called out three adult males, 53-year-old Lynn J. Knuttgen, 35-year-old Aaron S. Radnor, and 44-year-old Felipe E. Murillo, and detained them without incident.
The dilapidated and vacant building was searched for additional suspects, but no one was found. Deputies observed holes cut in the drywall, exposing the electrical wiring/copper pipe and other locations where the pipe/wire had been recently removed. Additionally, they located reciprocating saw blades, a cordless power drill, and a garbage can containing sections of copper pipe. Although the building was in poor condition, the recent damage believed to be caused by the burglars was estimated to be over $15,000.
Deputies contacted the property owner, who stated that the suspects did not have permission to enter the building and wished to pursue charges.
Knuttgen, Radnor, and Murillo were advised of their rights and agreed to answer questions. All three admitted they did not have permission to be at the location and, to varying degrees, were involved in or observed the damage and theft. One suspect even initially tried to explain by saying he didn’t see any no-trespassing signs and thought the owner should take better care of the property.
Knuttgen, Radnor, and Murillo were transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Burglary 2nd Degree, Malicious Mischief 1st Degree, and Theft 3rd Degree.
This Spokane County Sheriff Office news article "3 Suspects Caught Stealing Copper Pipe/Wiring from Vacant Home, Causing Over $15,000 Damage" was originally found on https://www.spokanecounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=7