WPD makes arrest in car burglaries Thursday morning

WASHINGTON - The Washington Police Department (WPD) arrested one in relation to a series of car burglaries that occurred in the early hours of Thursday, Feb. 27.

Officers followed up on tips and executed a search warrant on Saturday, Feb. 29 and found many items linked to the reports. Tijon Malik Harrill, 19, of Washington was charged with one count of burglary in the third degree, six counts of burglary to a motor vehicle and five counts of criminal mischief, according to a news release from the department.

According to the Washington County Communications Media Report from last Thursday, seven cars were burglarized in the northeast part of town. One vehicle had a broken window, multiple callers reported missing items and several vehicle owners reported a 'powder foam type substance” inside the vehicles. One reported to find it in the gas tank as well.

WPD Chief Jim Lester later told The Union the substance was determined to be caused from a fire extinguisher.

Assisting in the investigation were the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the Washington County Attorney's Office. Additional charges may be considered as the investigation is ongoing.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation and defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.