Everett neighbors helped find suspected hatchet-wielding robber

EVERETT — They didn’t have to live next door to be neighborly.

An Everett couple whose home police believe was invaded by a hatchet-wielding heroin addict May 15 is thankful for the help of strangers in helping catch him.

The suspect is accused of breaking into their Oakes Avenue home around 4:30 a.m. and holding a hatchet in a menacing manner while robbing the couple, who are in their late 70s. The husband, recovering from surgery, was sleeping in a hospital bed in the living room at the time.

Car and house keys, two phones, the couple’s red Volvo and the woman’s purse were taken.

Less than five hours after the break-in, Glen Miller spotted three pieces of the woman’s identification, including her driver’s license, in a hedge at the corner of Tulalip Avenue and Laurel Drive. Miller was walking his sons to the school bus stop at the time. He called the police and the couple who’d been robbed. They live about a mile away.

The quick recovery of the ID gave the couple and police a lead on where they might find the car. The couple’s nephew discovered it in the same neighborhood.

Police then alerted people living nearby.

“We did canvass the neighborhood, every house,” said Everett police officer Aaron Snell. “The neighbors were the ones who called 911 when the suspect returned to the car. They were the ones to ID him as the driver.”

The suspect, 21, was arrested for investigation of robbery, burglary and identification theft. He was booked into the Snohomish County Jail. His bail was set at $500,000.

“The eyes and ears of the community, that’s really a help to law enforcement,” Snell said. “It makes a big difference.”

The crime victims didn’t want their names used in a news story, but they did want to share their appreciation to the police and the people who helped.

“It is a feeling of community, that we are not in isolation depending on the block where you live or the end of town where you live,” the woman said.

Miller, who reported finding the woman’s ID, said he’s glad others were willing to help.

“It was kind of a chain of events that all worked together, that everyone had a little piece of the pie,” he said.

Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446, stevick@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

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

on Monday, July 14, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mini heat wave moving into Snohomish County

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, warning of temperatures climbing to mid-80s or low 90s Tuesday and Wednesday.

Snohomish County Dahlia Society members Doug Symonds and Alysia Obina on Monday, March 3, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
How to grow for show: 10 tips for prize-winning dahlias

Snohomish County Dahlia Society members share how they tend to their gardens for the best blooms.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

State Attorney General Nick Brown's office posted a release announcing $720 million in nationwide settlements with eight drugmakers that manufactured opioid pills and worsened the nationwide opioid crisis. The state could receive more than $16 million, the release said. (Ryan Berry/Washington State Standard)
Snohomish County to receive portion of latest $16M opioid settlement

While the amount of money is still unknown, funding plans are already in place to help with drug abuse prevention, treatment and education.

District 2 candidates differ in public safety approach

Incumbent Paula Rhyne is facing challenger Ryan Crowther. The third candidate, Jonathan Shapiro, is no longer seeking the seat.

From left to right, Edmonds City Council Position 3 candidates Joseph Ademofe, Alex Newman and Erika Barnett.
Amid budget crisis, Edmonds City Council candidates talk revenue, affordability

Three newcomers are facing off for Position 3 on the council, currently held by council President Neil Tibbott.

Everett
Everett approves new fines for non-emergency lifts

The fire department will only issue fines for non-emergency lift assists at licensed care facilities, not for individuals at home calling 911.

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.