PORT ANGELES — Katyn Flores and Johnny Perez have been arrested in connection to a burglary that occurred at Petersen’s Automotive in February following a pursuit that was called off because Flores was allegedly traveling more than 100 mph.
They were arrested on June 14 at a home in Jefferson County. The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office enlisted the help of the Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team to apprehend them.
Flores, 22, was initially arrested on outstanding charges of eluding police, hit and run and resisting arrest on March 2.
While in custody, more charges — second-degree burglary and possession of a stolen vehicle — were added as the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office developed probable cause that she had been involved in the Feb. 28 burglary.
According to a probable cause report, Flores and Perez, 34, broke into Petersen’s Automotive in Port Angeles at 4 a.m. on Feb. 28 and stole the keys to all the customer vehicles, surveillance hard drives and two vehicles.
A 2016 Jeep Cherokee was recovered by Petersen’s employees about a block from the lot. A 2006 BMW Z4 was recovered upon Flores’ and Perez’s arrest.
A warrant had been previously issued for Perez for his part in the burglary and possession of a stolen vehicle.
Flores pleaded guilty on May 13 in Clallam County Superior Court to multiple charges including residential burglary, second-degree burglary, attempting to elude a police vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle and two counts of possession of the stolen property in the second degree. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail and a $20,000 fine, not including outstanding charges from the March 2 arrest, which have maximum sentences of 90 days in jail and with a $1,000 fine.
If convicted of all charges Flores, could face a sentence of more than 35 years with a $60,000 fine.
Flores was out on bail and subsequently failed to show up for her sentencing hearing. A new hearing has been set for 9 a.m. July 12.
Perez is facing charges of burglary and possession of a stolen vehicle. Each carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail and $20,000 in fines. He has a status hearing set for July 8 with a pending trial date of July 25.
If convicted, he could face 20 years in jail and a $40,000 fine.
Flores and Perez were seen on May 29 at Walmart in Port Angeles, where staff said the two allegedly stole $130 in items from the store.
The two left and passed a Clallam County Sheriff’s deputy, who confirmed the driver was Flores but was unable to safely pursue as she was traveling more than 100 mph through traffic, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office.
Deputies later received information that Flores and Perez had fled to Jefferson County, triggering a request for OPNET to pursue them.
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Reporter Ken Park can be reached by email at kpark@peninsuldailynews.com.
