On March 16, 2022, Deputy Anthony Warren responded to a residential burglary in the area of Appleton, Washington, where the victim reported numerous tools, chain saws, and firearms had been stolen from the residence. Deputy Warren investigated the incident and located very distinct tire tracks at the burglary scene that did not match any of the victim’s vehicles.
Coincidently later the same day, Deputy Ben Corning took a motor vehicle theft report of a pickup truck in the area of Murdock, Washington. Deputy Warren had previously met with the owner of the stolen pickup truck on an unrelated theft case, and suspected the stolen pickup truck may have caused the tire tracks at the burglary case.
On March 17, 2022, Deputy Warren shared the photographs of the tire tracks from the burglary scene with the owner of the stolen pickup truck. The owner of the stolen pickup truck confirmed the tire tracks appeared to be made from his truck tires.
Deputy Warren checked around the Appleton area for the stolen pickup truck, but was not able to locate the truck.
On March 19, 2022, Deputy Warren responded to a burglary report off Snowden Road in White Salmon, Washington, where he located the same distinct tire tracks. In that report, tools, gas cans, and a rifle were stolen from the residence.
On March 20, 2022, Deputy Dwayne Matulovich responded to a second burglary at the same address off Snowden Road. Additional tools and miscellaneous items were taken this time.
On March 22, 2022, Deputy Warren, Deputy Randy Wells, and Sergeant Joe Riggers, located the same distinct tire tracks on Fisher Hill Road in the Appleton area. The tire tracks were followed and the stolen pickup truck was located at a camp near some power lines just off of Fisher Hill Road. A newer travel trailer was parked at the camp site and numerous items could be seen in the back of the pickup truck.
Deputy Warren, Deputy Wells, and Sergeant Riggers surrounded the camp site. Arthur Smith, 42 years old, of Appleton, Washington, fled from the travel trailer and ran into Deputy Wells. Arthur Smith had an outstanding felony warrant for assault in the second-degree domestic violence and the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office had actively been looking for him since August of 2021. The Sheriff’s Office had received numerous reports from community members, that Arthur Smith was armed and dangerous.
Deputy Wells and Sergeant Riggers drew their service pistols and ordered Arthur Smith to freeze. Arthur Smith complied and was taken into custody without further incident. Arthur Smith was transported to the Klickitat County Jail on the outstanding felony warrant.
Deputy Warren confirmed the tire tracks on the stolen pickup truck were the same tire tracks that he had seen at the various burglary sites.
Upon further investigation, the Sheriff’s Office learned the travel trailer had been stolen from The Dalles, Oregon. The Sheriff’s Office seized the travel trailer, and the stolen pickup truck.
On March 23, 2022, the Sheriff’s Office served search warrants on the stolen travel trailer, as well as the stolen pickup truck, recovering most of the stolen items including the stolen firearms.
Deputy Warren submitted charges to the Klickitat County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, charging Arthur Smith with two counts of burglary in the first degree, one count of residential burglary, two counts of theft in the second degree, five counts of theft of a firearm, one count of possession of a stolen motor vehicle, one count of possession of stolen property in the first degree, one count of malicious mischief, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree.
The Sheriff’s Office is continuing to look at other thefts or burglary’s in the area to determine if they may be connected with this arrest.
Sheriff Songer wants to commend Deputy Warren on his outstanding performance in investigating this case. Deputy Warren worked hard putting the pieces together in this case. Sheriff Songer would also like to commend Deputy Corning, Deputy Matulovich, Deputy Wells, and Sergeant Riggers for their hard work in assisting with this case. Sheriff Songer is proud of the Deputy’s. The team work and cooperation from the Sheriff’s Office employees is a great example of what the Sheriff’s Office does to protect the Rights of the citizens we serve.