Shoreline police have arrested a man they are calling a “prolific burglar,” suspected of breaking into at least 26 houses across the city, with investigators warning the case is still growing. In some of those break-ins, police say, residents were actually home at the time.
According to the King County Sheriff's Office, which posted the update on behalf of the Shoreline Police Department, the man was arrested earlier this month after detectives linked him to the string of residential burglaries.
Police say some residents were present during the break-ins, a detail that underscores just how brazen the alleged pattern became. The King County Sheriff's Office post does not elaborate on what happened during those encounters, but the department's choice to highlight it suggests investigators see it as a significant part of the case against the suspect.
Charges Include Burglary, Trafficking and a Firearm Count
The prosecutor's office has charged the man with residential burglary, trafficking stolen property and unlawful possession of a firearm, per the same department post.
Washington law treats trafficking in stolen property in the first degree as a class B felony, according to RCW 9A.82.050 from the Washington State Legislature. It is not established in the available evidence whether the current suspect was charged at that degree.
Detectives Still Looking for Unreported Victims
Shoreline police are now asking anyone with unreported stolen jewelry or personal items taken from homes in the area to come forward, covering a reporting window that spans the past year-and-a-half. Detectives said the investigation is far from over, suggesting the 26-house count could still climb as more victims are identified. Anyone with information is asked to contact Shoreline police at 206.296.3311.
A 2022 report from Shoreline Area News covered the arrest of a burglary suspect.
For now, the current case remains open, with detectives signaling they expect to hear from more victims as word of the arrest spreads through Shoreline neighborhoods.
