Looking for drugs: Snoqualmie Ridge break-in suspects searched bathrooms, drove a U-Haul

Drugs are the likely motivation behind two daytime burglary attempts on Snoqualmie Ridge around noon on Wednesday, Jan. 2.

Drugs are the likely motivation behind two daytime burglary attempts on Snoqualmie Ridge around noon on Wednesday, Jan. 2.

Based on evidence left behind at the homes, it seemed that the suspects were drug-addicts, looking for prescription painkillers or other medicines to take or sell, said Snoqualmie Police Captain Nick Almquist.

“You could tell when you went up into the bathrooms,” said Almquist. “All of the drawers were pulled open, and there were so many high-dollar items just lying around.”

No one was home at either house, on Silent Creek Avenue and on Cascade Avenue, around 12:30 p.m. during the incidents, and only one home was entered. Nothing appeared to have been taken from either home, although the suspects damaged the door they couldn’t kick in. That attempt triggered the home’s security alarm, and a police response.

Neighbors told police they saw a small U-Haul truck in the area, and Almquist said they have general descriptions of the suspects, a man in his 40s with salt-and-pepper hair, and a blonde woman.

Police are actively searching for the truck, which Almquist said might be part of the suspect’s ruse, making them appear to have a valid reason for being in the alley behind the homes, where the garages are.

“They’re quite bold … aggressive in trying to determine if they can find an open door, or a way to get in,” said Almquist.

He recommends that all residents make sure their garage doors are closed when they’re not being used, and make sure their doors are locked.

Police are also asking for any information people may have about the suspects’ U-Haul. Almquist said it’s probably the smallest cargo truck available from U-Haul, and any information on it, a license plate, a company ID number, will help.

Call the Snoqualmie Police Department at (425) 888-3333. Officer Moate is in charge of the investigation.