Vashon couple arrested for recent string of burglaries

A Vashon couple, believed to be involved in the Island's recent rash of burglaries, was arrested without incident in their home near Tahlequah Friday afternoon.

A man and woman, believed to be involved in the Island’s recent rash of burglaries, were arrested without incident in their home near Tahlequah Friday afternoon.

The King County Sheriff’s Office obtained a search warrant for the couple’s house, in the 28500 block of Vashon Highway S.W., where detectives and deputies found several items — from laptops to chainsaws — believed to have been stolen from Vashon homes and businesses over the last several months. Authorities also found signs of drug use, including methamphetamine, a highly addictive drug thought to be on the rise on Vashon.

A three-month-old infant was also in the home. The baby was placed in the custody of the state’s Child Protective Services, said Sgt. Calvin Beringer, Vashon’s administrative sergeant.

“The baby is going to be in a better place tonight than it was this morning. And from the photos we took of all the drugs in the house, the baby won’t be going back there any time soon,” Beringer said Friday.

The home where the couple and the baby lived, he added, “is pretty grim.”

The couple is being held in the King County Jail until Monday, when they’re expected to be charged with theft, possession of illegal narcotics and child endangerment. The Beachcomber does not publish the names of people arrested until they have been charged.

Among the goods found in the home were chainsaws, hedge-trimmers, a power-washer, DVD players, computer equipment, jewelry and leather coats. Beringer estimated that the goods represent “several thousand dollars worth of merchandise.”

The investigation into Vashon’s spate of burglaries is ongoing, he said. The couple, he said, is believed to be involved in some but not all of the break-ins. Asked if there will be more arrests, Beringer answered, “I’m surmising there will be.”

Elizabeth Shepherd added to this report.