DNA evidence leads to arrest of burglary suspect in Olympia 

A burglary suspect was arrested after he was identified through his DNA found on one of the pieces of evidence, Olympia Police Department (OPD) announced it a social media post. 

The incident unfolded last June when OPD responded to a commercial burglary at a local business, where the suspect was spotted leaving the scene through a broken window, making his escape in a stolen pickup truck. 

The following day, the stolen truck was located in Lacey, and officers discovered cash drawers with bloodstains matching those stolen from the Olympia business.  

Investigators collected samples from the bloodied drawers and an empty soda bottle found at the scene which were submitted to the Washington State Patrol (WSP) laboratory for DNA testing. 

While awaiting the test results, officers continued their investigation with the collaboration of multiple regional partners.  

Efforts led to the identification of a potential suspect with a history of involvement in various thefts and burglaries across neighboring counties. 

In November, OPD received conclusive results from the DNA testing conducted by the Washington State Police lab. 

 The tests confirmed the identity of the suspect, whose involvement extended to multiple criminal activities.  

Charges for Malicious Mischief in the second degree and Burglary in the second degree were forwarded to the Thurston County Prosecutor's Office.