Three arrested for allegedly stealing appliances
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, December 21st, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – Pendleton police officers have arrested three local men, charging them with first-degree burglary, first-degree theft, and conspiracy for allegedly stealing a new washer and dryer from a home that is up for sale in the 1400 block of Southwest 41st Street.
The burglary was reported at 4:58 p.m. on Dec. 14. Once the officer learned of the burglary, it struck a chord with another member of the force. Just minutes before the report, a patrol officer encountered a blue Honda Civic in the area of Southwest 37th Street and Southwest Jay Avenue.
“The vehicle drew the officer’s attention due to the fact that there were two occupants riding in the open truck while holding onto the handles of a dolly, towing the dolly behind the car,” Police Chief Chuck Byram wrote in a news release. “The dolly had a new washing machine strapped to it.”
The driver and the two occupants in the trunk told the officer they were moving the washing machine to their friend’s house, and they did not have a truck to transport the washer.
“While suspicious, the officer did not have any evidence at that time that led him to believe that a crime was being committed,” Byram wrote. “The officer admonished the three individuals for violating motor vehicle laws.”
When the patrol officer learned of the reported burglary, it seemed apparent to him that the three individuals he encountered could be suspects. With his information, the police were able to locate the stolen washer and dryer at a residence in Pendleton. Eldon M. Browning, 41, and James L. Waligorski, 30 were arrested on Friday. Cody N. Pearson, 36, was arrested on Monday.
