PORT TOWNSEND — A 70-year-old Port Townsend resident remained in the Jefferson County jail Tuesday after he was arrested Monday night for investigation of attempted murder.
James D. Richards allegedly threatened a 38-year-old woman with a handgun in the hallway of an apartment complex on Landes Street.
Her 9-1-1 call at 7:06 p.m. was answered by three Port Townsend policeman and one State Patrol trooper. Richards was arrested as he emerged from his apartment at 7:35 p.m., said Officer Patrick Fudally of the Port Townsend Police Department.
Richards is being held in jail without bail.
The woman, who was not identified, had made a comment to Richards about his smoking in the apartment complex’ common area, according to police.
As she walked back to her apartment she heard footsteps behind her and saw Richards pointing a handgun at her.
The woman ran into her apartment, barricaded the front door, and then fled farther into her apartment, being afraid Richards might try to shoot through the door, according to the police report.
The police said that Richards apparently returned to his apartment.
While executing a search warrant for Richards’ apartment police recovered a handgun believed to be the one used by Richards to threaten the woman.
“After being arrested Richards admitted his intention was to shoot and kill the female and that her running into her apartment is what made him stop,” police said.
An investigation revealed a history of disputes between Richards and the woman, police said.
