Kennewick police surprise bank burglar climbing out window

Kennewick police surrounded a Kennewick bank early Saturday morning after spotting a broken window and a man inside.

The alarm at Baker Boyer Bank, 1149 N. Edison St., sounded 11 minutes after midnight.

Officers surrounding the bank watched a man throw items around inside and then start to climb out the broken window.

Spotting police, Justus L. Raasch, 19, of Pasco, gave up peacefully and was taken into custody, police said.

A car parked outside the bank had been heavily damaged. Raasch allegedly attempted to steal the car before breaking into the bank.

Raasch has been booked into the Benton County jail on suspicion of commercial burglary, attempted auto theft and malicious mischief.

“To the best of our knowledge at this time the suspect did not obtain any information,” Baker Boyer officials said in a statement.

Bank officials continue an investigation and audit to ensure all customer information is secure and no identity theft occurred.

“We are thankful that this incident happened after hours and no employees or customers were harmed,” said Mark Kajita, Baker Boyer president, in a statement. He also pointed out that the bank’s security system was effective in immediately notifying police.

The bank is working with local law enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and expects prosecution to the full extent of the law, bank officials said.

The bank is expected to reopen as usual Monday after cleanup.

This story was originally published July 30, 2016 at 12:12 PM with the headline "Kennewick police surprise bank burglar climbing out window."