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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Burglar offended by homeowner who fought back

A would-be burglar who was trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey by a St. John, Wash., homeowner, told sheriff’s deputies that he was offended by the man’s actions. Michael E. McCarthy, 47, was arrested on charges of residential burglary, vehicle prowling, malicious mischief, assault and theft after breaking into a home at 6 a.m. today, according to the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office. A woman called 911 to report that her husband was fighting with an intruder they discovered burglarizing their home, a news release said. Later, the woman said her husband had “secured” the burglar and they were waiting for deputies. When deputies arrived, they found McCarthy bound with zip-ties, laying on the garage floor. “McCarthy later admitted to investigating officers that he broke into the home with the intent to steal items from the residents, but he did not feel that his actions warranted being assaulted by the homeowner as a result,” the release said. Unmoved, deputies booked McCarthy into the Whitman County Jail.