Homeowner detains would-be burglar after fight

A Spokane homeowner successfully detained a would-be thief after a fight earlier this week, leading to the arrest of Jeffrey E. Krell on assault and burglary charges. The homeowner told police he returned to his house in the 3400 block of West Bismarck Ave. around 2 p.m. Jan. 6 and found two people inside fleeing from his basement through the kitchen door. According to court documents, he attempted to stop the suspects, and said both began hitting, punching and kicking him. Eventually, the pair forced him onto his porch, where he was able to detain one of the men. A motorist called police, who arrived and detained Krell at the scene. The suspects left the homeowner’s laptop and other items in the front yard. Police also recovered a coat that did not belong to the victim with a bundle of methamphetamine in the pocket. Krell was arrested on investigation of burglary and assault. He remains in jail in lieu of $75,000 bail.