A 66-year-old Winlock man with no previous criminal history appeared in Lewis County Superior Court on Tuesday facing accusations that he broke a window at a medical facility after his vape was taken from him.
Keith David Caldwell made a video appearance before Lewis County Pro Tem Court Commissioner Kathryn Eyraud, who ultimately ordered his release on personal recognizance, meaning he could be booked out of jail without posting bail.
On Tuesday, Oct. 13, an officer responded to a report of a disturbance at South Creek Post Acute Care Center on Scheuber Road in Centralia.
Staff at the facility told the officer Caldwell became upset after being found with a vape in his room. According to court documents, the vape was taken from Caldwell and he became agitated and began to throw items.
“A short time later, staff heard a loud crashing noise coming from Caldwell's room,” an affidavit of probable cause filed by prosecutors states. “When staff entered, they discovered Caldwell had broken a window that leads to the outside of the building. The window was estimated to be valued at $1,000.”
Caldwell admitted to breaking the window.
“Caldwell stated he would continue to break things as he was entitled to do so,” the affidavit states. “Caldwell was taken into custody and booked into the jail.”
Caldwell is charged with one count of second-degree malicious mischief, a Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
His arraignment and trial setting will be held Oct. 22. He was assigned Josh House as his defense attorney.
