Addiction at root of robbery, family says

SNOHOMISH — A man suspected of forcing his way into a Snohomish home and holding a family of five at knifepoint was likely motivated by a drug problem, relatives say.

Paul Granquist, 37, of Lake Stevens was arrested by Snohomish police Wednesday after the victims managed to secretly call 911. He’s being held in the Snohomish County Jail on $100,000 bail.

Family members say Granquist has struggled with an addiction to the powerful painkiller oxycodone for a year and a half. A doctor prescribed him the drug after he broke his hand, and he apparently became hooked, said his sister Jennifer Granquist, 33, of Boston, Mass.

"There’s absolutely no excuse for what happened, but this is someone who was not thinking straight," she said. "He’s not someone who would up and say, ‘I’m going to rob someone’s house.’ He is an addict who made some very bad choices."

Her brother, she said, overcame an addiction to alcohol and drugs when he was younger, and thought he could handle taking the highly addictive painkiller. But he couldn’t quit, Jennifer Granquist said.

"He was a good man who lost everything to drugs," said his former wife, Mandy Granquist of Lake Stevens. "We are all absolutely shocked by his arrest, and I feel so bad for that poor family."

Her ex-husband, a former Kiwanis member, used to coach one son’s T-ball team, she said, but now hasn’t seen the boys for the past seven months. She fears he’s now using illegal drugs and stealing to support his habit.

Relatives hoped he would seek help after a March 12 arrest for trafficking in stolen property. Those charges were dropped, and he was released from jail after several days.

"I hope he’s hit bottom now," Mandy Granquist said. "He needs to get help."

Paul Granquist tried getting drug treatment in August 2003, but it didn’t help, said former father-in-law Bill Clough of Lake Stevens.

"Paul in his heart is a good person, but the drug has definitely taken control of him," said Clough, who said the two used to be close friends. "He’s not the same person."

He added, "I feel so bad for the (Snohomish) family. I can’t imagine what they’re going through. I can only send my prayers to them."

The family that Paul Granquist allegedly held hostage Wednesday said he seemed panicky and paranoid, and might have been using drugs. But Snohomish police could not say whether he was on drugs when he was arrested.

Paul Granquist was allegedly armed with a large hunting knife and threatened the family of five, but no one was hurt.

The father of the family, who asked not to be identified for safety reasons, said he appreciated his relative’s apology.

"I can understand where the family’s coming from," he said. "It’s nice to hear they’d say that."

Reporter Katherine Schiffner: 425-339-3436 or schiffner@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Alina Langbehn, 6, center, and Vera A., 6, right, sit on a swing together at Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park after school on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council votes to renovate Drew Nielsen Park

Construction on the $345,000 upgrade could start as early as this fall.

Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

Lynnwood councilor Joshua Binda speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Does the Lynnwood Council VP live in Lynnwood? It’s hard to say.

Josh Binda’s residency has been called into question following an eviction and FEC filings listing an Everett address. He insists he lives in Lynnwood.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

An American Robin picks a berry from a holly tree on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Calling all birders for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count

The Audubon Society will hold its 28th annual Great Backyard… Continue reading

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

Aaron Kennedy / The Herald
The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide.
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.