PORT ANGELES — The alleged leader of a cocaine distrbution ring who is awaiting trial was arrested Friday morning without incident by Clallam County sheriff’s detectives.
Bernard Gilbert “Pete” Barnes III, 52, of Port Angeles was arrested while driving his car after investigators received information that Barnes had allegedly paid an individual to burn down a house in the Deer Park area in April 2004, police officials said.
On an unrelated matter, Barnes also was arrested after an alleged cocaine dealer told investigators with the Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team that she had been receiving cocaine from Barnes to sell.
Barnes was arrested on two counts of arson and a count each of burglary and delivery of cocaine, jail records said.
Woman arrested
Karol Walkey, 39, of Port Angeles was also arrested Friday after undercover agents documented cocaine purchases from her, said Ron Cameron, an investigator with the Narcotics Enforcement Team.
Both Barnes’ and Walkey’s residences were searched and trace amounts of cocaine were found at Walkey’s residence, a statement from the Clallam County Sheriff’s Department said.
Both were booked in the Clallam County jail. Bail has not been set for either.
Cameron declined to say why Barnes would want to burn down the Deer Park house of Michael Steim or who police believe actually committed the arson until county prosecutors charge Barnes.
Because of the Fourth of July holiday, the earliest that Barnes could appear before a judge is Tuesday.
