PORT HADLOCK — The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office believes an early morning home invasion robbery that took place Monday was instigated from business deals on Craigslist that took place between the victim and the suspect.
Investigators aren’t releasing any names, citing an ongoing investigation as the reason but did say a 25-year-old Port Hadlock man who was bound with zip ties and duct tape around 7:45 a.m. Monday recognized the suspect as the man who he had sold and purchased goods from through the online classified Web site, Craigslist.
Recognized suspect
“The suspect knocked on the door of the victim early Monday morning and the victim let him into the house because he recognized him,” said Jefferson County Sheriff’s Detective Joe Nole.
“Once inside, the suspect pulled out a gun and demanded that the victim use zip ties and duct tape to bind himself and cover his eyes.”
Nole said the suspect then stole a handgun, money, two laptops and some clothing from the victim’s house.
“Once the victim heard the man leave, he broke out of the ties and locked the house and called 9-1-1.”
Nole said his office believes they have positively identified the suspect, but he lives in the Seattle area, and they were working on a warrant for his arrest Monday night.
Nole said it was unlikely that the suspect was still in Jefferson County after the attack because the man was unfamiliar with the area.
“We have been patrolling and looking for him,” Nole said.
“But it’s not likely that he is here.”
More information will be released as the investigation continues, Nole said.
Nole asks anyone with any information about the incident to contact him at 360-385-3831, ext. 747, or by e-mail at jnole@co.jefferson.wa.us.
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
