Richland, WA — A 24-year-old man with an outstanding warrant in Spokane was taken into custody after he allegedly broke into the apartment of an off-duty security officer in Richland, speeding up his own arrest.
Authorities say Raymond Andrew Smith was wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force for charges linked to a 2018 robbery and assault conviction.
Burglary Leads to Immediate Arrest
The U.S. Marshals Task Force had notified the Richland Police Department that they planned to arrest Smith on Wednesday morning. But before law enforcement could act, Richland police received a burglary call at a Duportail Street apartment complex — the very same location Smith was hiding.
An off-duty security officer reported that his apartment had been broken into while he was walking his dog. The burglar allegedly stole his car keys, personal belongings, and a rifle.
When the officer returned, he spotted Smith stealing his car and immediately alerted police.
“The victim, an off-duty security officer, saw Smith driving away in his vehicle and provided officers with a description,” said the Richland Police Department in a Facebook post quoted by Tri-City Herald.
SWAT-Assisted Operation
Officers quickly established surveillance with support from SWAT team members, developing a plan to arrest Smith safely.
By 10 a.m. Wednesday, officers conducted a traffic stop and arrested Smith without incident. Police then searched his apartment and recovered the stolen property, including the rifle taken from the off-duty officer.
“Officers also seized two handguns, one of which had been reported stolen in Oregon,” police said.
Background and Criminal Record
Court documents reveal Smith’s outstanding warrant stemmed from his 2018 conviction for robbery and assault. He had been sentenced to eight years in prison, though officials have not confirmed how long he actually served.
Smith’s criminal history also includes a November 2024 conviction for attempting to elude police in Kennewick, according to Benton County records.
He was booked into the Benton County Jail following Wednesday’s arrest.
Multi-Agency Response
The successful arrest was a joint operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including officers from Richland, Pasco, and Kennewick, as well as the Benton County Sheriff’s Department, the Department of Corrections, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
“This was a coordinated effort between several agencies to safely apprehend a wanted individual,” Richland Police said.
Community Relief and Ongoing Investigation
The incident drew attention across Richland, as residents praised the quick response that prevented potential violence. Authorities are reviewing whether additional charges will be filed in connection with the burglary, stolen firearms, and vehicle theft.
Smith remains held at Benton County Jail as the investigation continues.
What are your thoughts on this quick-thinking arrest by Richland authorities? Share your views in the comments below.
