Burglar caught in act by 165-pound dog

WOODS BAY — A burglar was put in the hospital last week after returning to the scene of his fresh heist in pursuit of more loot when he met with a 165-pound Bullmastiff.

The call came in at 3:50 p.m. on June 18 for a report of a burglary and a request for an ambulance at 31801 Blackberry Lane in Woods Bay. According to Lake County Sheriff’s Lt. Mike Sargeant, a 17-year-old male suspect had entered the home through a screen door hours earlier to makeoff with $600 cash.

After sheriff’s deputies investigated the first burglary call at 3:13 p.m., the homeowners left the home temporarily and the burglar returned to the residence to steal more property. Sargeant said it is believed the man waited and watched the homeowners leave with intent to re-enter.

“He got in and got out with the money, watched them leave, and then came back because he considered it to be another opportunity,” Sargeant said. “That proved to be a bad decision on his part.”

On his second entrance into the home, the thief quickly discovered he was not alone. The homeowners had brought their 165-pound Bullmastiff into the residence from its outdoor kennel, and he was not at all pleased with the intruder.

The suspect sustained serious injuries from the guard dog, including severe bites to the right arm, a broken left arm and a laceration to the throat. The wounded burglar reportedly escaped to a bathroom in the home, locking himself inside until the owners returned.

Upon arrival of law enforcement and emergency personnel, the man was transported to Kalispell Regional Medical Center where he was treated for his injuries and released by the morning of June 20.

“He is a very lucky individual to have survived this attack,” Sargeant added.

The juvenile burglary suspect faces criminal charges of burglary as he entered the residence twice with the intent to take property. The case is still under investigation.

Sargeant said homeowners had posted signs reading “Beware of Dog” and “Big Dog” on the property, but the culprit ignored those warnings making it difficult to fault the owners or the dog for justifiably protecting the property.

“Typically, most burglars take heed of signs that say ‘Big Dog’ and go find a yard with a Chihuahua — but not in this case.”