Justin Edward James, 34, of Friday Harbor, was charged with burglary in the second degree, assault in the third degree — resisting, obstructing a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and theft in the third degree.
During his preliminary appearance on Jan. 13, he was released on $10,000 bail with conditions such as not leaving the state and consuming drugs or alcohol. His arraingement is scheduled for Jan. 27.
According to the probable cause statement, on Jan. 10, a Friday Harbor resident called to report a suspicious male who had knocked softly on her door and asked for “Claudia.” He was advised no one by that name lived in the home.
The caller said the suspect was driving a green Bronco or 4-Runner, which the deputy recognized fit the description of a missing vehicle. A dark green Chevy Tahoe, registered to James, had been placed in a 12-hour DUI hold at the impound yard on Jan. 9. On the morning of Jan. 10, it was discovered the gate had been forced open and the car was taken.
The suspect, James, was flagged in the system as requiring two responding officers due to previous violent behavior. Sheriff Eric Peter arrived on the scene and called out the suspect by name. They spoke briefly and Peter told James he was being detained. After another officer arrived, James allegedly took off on foot. They followed him to a backyard, forcing James to the ground. Peter and the deputy were attempting to place the suspect in handcuffs when he began resisting arrest. A struggle ensued until another deputy arrived, and all three officers were able to detain him.
James reported no injuries, while Sheriff Peter reported that his right knee popped out of place and he sustained a cut to his face and abrasions to his wrist, hip and foot and strain to his neck, lumbar, left wrist and right ankle. He was transported to the emergency room, where he was treated and released with a knee and ankle splint and pain medication. The deputy also sustained a knee injury and scratches and bruises. Two bystanders provided witness statements.
James’ criminal history includes criminal trespassing, resisting arrest and evading arrest detention in Fort Worth, Texas; battery in Las Vegas and residential burglary, theft in the third degree and possession of burglary tools in San Juan County.