Would Be Mall Burglars Nailed With Evidence in Their Car

Two men are in custody after an attempted early Tuesday morning break-in at the Columbia Center Mall.

Around 1AM mall security contacted the two leaving the back door of the Concept store at the mall.  They confronted them, but the two were far enough away they were able to flee to a red Honda sedan and leave the parking lot.

But, not before the security personnel were able to get their license plate and descriptions.  Kennewick officers had been called, and upon arrival found the back door to the store had indeed been forced open.  To make sure no other suspects were inside, a K-9 was used to clear the building and surrounding area inside the mall.

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Then as the investigation proceeded later Tuesday, officers were led to Columbia Park around 11:30AM. There, they found a vehicle matching the description given by the security workers.

Two men were taken into custody after officers found merchandise from the store in their vehicle. They were identified as  32 year old James Guetter and 25 year old Baraka Asaba.  Both are now in the Benton County jail on 2nd Degree Burglary charges, and Asaba was found to have two outstanding unrelated felony warrants.

Thanks to the efforts of the security guards, KPD was able to rapidly identify and locate the suspects.  So a word to the wise (would be burglars): it's possible nighttime security officers don't have arrest authority, but they'll get your description, your vehicle make and model, your plates and more. These two found that out.