Last month's burglary investigations continue

RITZVILLE – Police continue to investigate a rash of seven burglaries that occurred last month in the area of East Main and East First streets.

One of the burglaries was residential, police said. The back door was forced open causing substantial damage.

According to Police Chief Dave McCormick, "the suspects were in the residence for a period of time ransacking the entire interior of the residence."

Items taken from the residence included electronics and an antique firearm, he said, noting the firearm has since been found by the owner. The other six burglaries were in commercial and shop buildings, he said. Items taken in those burglaries included hand tools, power tools and small equipment.

A welding torch on a cart, taken from one of the commercial buildings, was recovered in a vacant lot, on the north side of town, after a tip from a resident, police said. A person of interest has been identified, and after consent to search, an orange-and-white chainsaw and several small hand tools, taken from another commercial burglary, were recovered at a residence on Birch Avenue.

Fingerprint and DNA evidence was collected from the crime scenes and sent to the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab in Cheney for analysis and identification.

Anyone with information related to these burglaries, or other crimes in the city, are encouraged to contact police at 509-659-1313.