Break-In At Kennewick’s Columbia Center Mall Yields Two Arrests

Two men are behind bars in the Benton County Jail as they were caught breaking into the Columbia Center Mall.

According to a police report filed by the Kennewick Police Department, here is how the incident unfolded:

On 4-20-2021 at about 1 am, Columbia Center Mall Security contacted two male subjects exiting the back door of Concept.

The males became uncooperative and fled in a red Honda Accord, but the Security Officer was able to obtain a license plate.

KPD Officers determined the back door to Concept had been forced and utilized a K9 to clear the location.

Officers obtained evidence during the initial investigation leading to a possible suspect.

KPD detectives continued the investigation, which led to searching the area of Columbia Park for the involved red Honda Accord.

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Detectives located the red Honda Accord and conducted a traffic stop. Two males were taken into custody and identified as 32-year-old James Guetter and 25-year-old Baraka Asaba.

After interviewing both subjects and comparing evidence located at the scene and within the Honda, both males were booked into the Benton County Jail for the alleged crime of Burglary in the 2nd Degree.

Baraka Asaba was also booked on two unrelated felony warrants.

Both suspects have been arrested and good job on the mall security officer for acting quickly to apprehend the suspects.

Kennewick Police are asking anyone that has more information to reach out to them. You can contact the Kennewick Police Department here for more and fill them in on the details.