Deputies arrest juveniles for recent burglaries

Burglaries on Puget Island and at the Elochoman Marina have been cause for concern in the community, but according to Sheriff Mark Howie, things may quiet down, though investigations remain active.

Two juveniles have been taken into custody.

“A 16-year-old went to court yesterday and again this morning,” Howie said. “He’s being charged for the burglaries down in the marina. He confessed while being interviewed by Detective Mike Balch.”

The juvenile had been staying on a boat with his father in the marina. He was booked into juvenile detention in Cowlitz County.

A 17-year-old has been taken into custody for multiple burglaries on Puget Island, including the recent theft of exotic chickens. The juvenile was caught attempting to sell the chickens at a livestock auction, according to the report from the sheriff’s department.

“There may be charges beyond the burglary to possibly include assault during the commission of the theft,” Sheriff Howie said.

A second suspect in the chicken theft is being questioned at this time.

The victim in the theft of chickens appeared Tuesday at the meeting of the county board of commissioners to say she would do whatever she could to prosecute the perpetrators.

The theft occurred at 3:15 a.m. last Thursday. The five perpetrators entered the premises through a dog door. She heard them and tried to chase them away, fighting with one, who injured her.

She said they had drugged her dog, and they stuffed the chickens in plastic bags which they put in garbage cans.

She also said she would go to the legislature to seek changes in the laws regarding juvenile offenders.

"They seem to have more rights than citizens who follow the law," she said. "As far as I'm concerned, they should get the same treatment they showed these animals."