Sumner Police Blotter: Trespassers Stumble on Squatters at Residence

Three or four men broke into 1205 ½ Ryan Ave. on Sept. 20 and smashed a window, according to a Sumner Police report.

The incident was reported by a nearby neighbor, who woke up to the sounds of breaking glass and “kids” running through her yard. The woman told police she heard laughing and went outside, where she saw four subjects fleeing the area.

She knew of two men living in the residence, who had been there for about two months.

Police contacted the two men and they told police they were “guests” of the house for several months. Officers were skeptical, because the building was in such bad shape and seemed uninhabitable. The two men denied squatting but said someone had rented the room to them, but they now believed it was not a legitimate rental and they had been scammed.

Police called the property owner, who confirmed that no one should be living at the residence.

One of the men told police that around 3 a.m., they heard a vehicle coming through the alley at a high rate of speed and stop in front of their home. A group of people approached the door and someone kicked it in, claiming to be a police officer. After confronting the group of people, one of the men grabbed a dead cell phone and pretended to call police, then the group left. The two men started packing their things when the subjects returned on foot and smashed a window on the south side of the house, fleeing on foot.  

One witness identified one of the men as a white male in his early 20s, about 6 foot with a goatee and wearing a flannel shirt and jeans. The one who kicked in the door was described as a skinny white male, about 5 foot 10 and approximately 16 years old with short hair. The car involved was described as a black, newer passenger car – a Honda, or something similar.

One witness recalled three men, the other recalled four. Police brought the men in to the station the next day for a lineup but neither man could identify a suspect. Both men left the residence and police encouraged them to call with any additional information.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Sumner Police.