The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office arrested two suspects Thursday after a homeowner reported live surveillance video of the would-be burglars as he watched from a different location.
Joshua R. Caywood, 44, of Salkum, and Jake A. Reinitz, 39, of Centralia, are both charged with one count of residential burglary, a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Reinitz faces an additional count of first-degree criminal impersonation after he allegedly gave his brother’s name when questioned by deputies.
Caywood made a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Friday. Judge Paul Strophy set bail at $10,000 cash or bond and scheduled an arraignment for Sept. 17. As part of his release conditions, Caywood is prohibited from contacting Reinitz or any alleged victims.
Reinitz did not appear in court Friday. A Lewis County Jail staff member said Reinitz was sick. Defense attorney Rachael Tiller said later that Reinitz had been detoxing.
Strophy agreed to continue Reinitz’s hearing until Monday while he remained in custody.
According to a probable cause affidavit, deputies responded to a burglary call on Garrard Creek Road Thursday after the homeowner told dispatch he was watching the suspects on surveillance video. The homeowner reported seeing two men enter the home wearing masks and hooded sweatshirts.
A deputy approaching the residence reportedly saw a man — later identified as Caywood — carrying what looked like a gray sweatshirt while walking along the road. Another deputy found Reinitz hiding in a bush.
According to the affidavit, Caywood allegedly told deputies that he and Reinitz had entered the home and stolen three boxes containing baseball cards, playing cards and a “set of wall darts.”
Reinitz allegedly attributed his actions to being a heroin addict. Both men were booked into the Lewis County Jail that afternoon.
Deputies found the stolen items in a ditch along the road.
