Suspect found in McDonald’s ceiling
Published 3:05 pm Tuesday, April 14, 2009
ARLINGTON — It gives the link between a “to-go window” and fast food new meaning.
A burglary suspect who escaped from police custody last week by squirming out the back window of a patrol car was later found hiding in the ceiling of a McDonald’s restaurant in Arlington.
The Everett man, who turns 26 today, was first arrested Wednesday in connection with a home burglary that day in the 1300 block of Lakewood Road NW, according to a police affidavit filed Monday in Everett District Court.
The man allegedly told detectives he’d show them where he stashed a 50-inch TV and other loot he grabbed in the burglary, the report said. Police also learned the man was wanted on an arrest warrant.
On the way to the county jail, the man complained of an upset stomach and other symptoms of heroin withdrawal.
A deputy lowered the patrol car window. Then, the man did more than stick his head out to wretch.
He climbed out.
It would take about two days before police could pick up the man’s trail.
A tip lead detectives to the McDonald’s on 205th Street in Arlington. When deputies arrived, the store manager told them she’d seen a man who matched the suspect’s description, but after searching, the man couldn’t be found.
A deputy took a second look. He noticed a damaged ceiling tile in an employees-only area. Then a wire leading into the ceiling moved. The cop called for backup.
The man was ordered at gunpoint to crawl out of the ceiling. He was jailed without further incident, the report said.
The man was booked into the Snohomish County Jail for investigation of third-degree escape, residential burglary, theft, malicious mischief and burglary, in addition to a warrant.
A judge Monday maintained bail at $100,000. That’s a lot of Happy Meals.
Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437, jholtz@heraldnet.com
