Teen runs for help after alleged burglar breaks into Kennewick home

A 20-year-old man is behind bars this weekend after allegedly breaking into a Kennewick home that was occupied by a teenage boy.

Nicholas R. Ertel, of Kennewick, is being held without bail on suspicion of residential burglary and possession of a controlled substance.

Police were called shortly before 3 p.m. Friday after a 13-year-old boy ran to a neighbor’s house for help.

The teen had been in his home alone in the 1100 block of West 43rd Avenue when Ertel walked in through an unlocked door, according to Officer Shirrell Veitenheimer.

Ertel was tracked down running a couple of blocks away.

After arresting him, officers searched Ertel and found he was carrying a .380-caliber Firearms International Model D pistol, narcotics and cash, the police report said.

This story was originally published April 16, 2016 at 6:05 PM with the headline "Teen runs for help after alleged burglar breaks into Kennewick home."