— from Sheriff Ron Krebs —

On February 9, 2016, Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office were called to investigate a home invasion to an Orcas residence during the early morning hours.

The unknown male suspect entered the home and woke up the sleeping victim. The suspect was wearing a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt, gloves, and had some kind of mask on his face. The suspect put a handgun to the victim’s head and threatened him. The victim was told he had stolen a job, nobody wanted him around (the job), and not to call the police.

The victim was not injured by the suspect.

On February 11, 2016, Deputies were called to the Orcas OPALCO building in reference to exterior windows and some walls being tagged (graffiti) by what appeared to be a black ink marker. The graffiti was open threats of the following words, in a number of places: “Die,” “Prepare to Die,” “Kill You,” and “Pray to Your Maker.”

The Sheriff’s Office believes these two cases are tied together, as the first victim just started working at OPALCO. This crime has caused fear within our island community, and we ask that if anyone has information about these crimes to contact the Sheriff’s Office.

A $2500.00 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a suspect has been set up. Please call the tip line (360-370-7629) where you can leave information and be called back, call 911, or talk to one your Orcas Deputies.