WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — A 31-year-old man was arrested Thursday night after he and two other suspects attempted to burglarize and assault two people at a Ferndale home, deputies said.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called about 7:23 a.m. to a home in the 6100 block of Aldrich Road for a report of a home invasion-style burglary.
It was reported that three people had entered the home, assaulted two people at the home and fled.
Investigators said they determined two guests were sleeping in a spare bedroom when the homeowner had stepped out to run an errand just before 7:00 a.m.
Video surveillance from a nearby business showed the homeowner meeting up with a woman in a white Volkswagen sedan as he left his driveway, law enforcement said. They talked for a minute and then the homeowner left the area.
Scroll down to continue reading
More news from KIRO 7
- Earthquake in Southern California raises concerns about ‘The Big One' in Washington
- Loved ones identify man killed by Poulsbo Police
- $900k worth of meth, heroin and more seized from Bremerton home
- VIDEO: Watch a replay of the Fourth of July fireworks
- Do you have an investigative story tip? Send us an email at investigate@kiro7.com
The Volkswagen continued down the driveway toward the home, and two men and a woman entered to where the guests were sleeping, law enforcement officials said.
The two men were reportedly wearing hooded sweatshirts with hoods over their faces and were both armed with knives, police said. The woman was armed with a large wrench.
Officials said the woman, later identified as Danielle Coakley, 34, who also knew the victims, asked the victims “Where’s my stuff?” One of the men said to the victims, “Where’s your money?”
Then the men attacked the male victim, police said. The man fought back and a struggle ensued on a bed for a while.
Police said the victim was able to get on his feet and disarm one of the burglary suspects; During the struggle, the victim suffered stabs and cuts to his hand and leg. One of the suspects also suffered a severe cut to one of his hands.
Once the male victim took control of one of the knives, the suspects fled, police said. One man jumped out a window, while the injured suspect staggered down the driveway a short time later and left in an unknown direction, police said.
Coakley ran out the front door after she hit the female victim in the face, deputies said. She and one of the male suspects left in the Volkswagen.
Deputies said after the attack, the homeowner returned.
The victims called 911 and deputies arrived to investigate, officials said. The male victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Deputies identified two of the suspects and searched for the third but were unable to find him, officials said.
That same night at about 9 p.m., Lynden police were called for a report of a man who appeared to be disoriented, suffering from a cut on his hand and walking in the 8000 block of Guide Meridian, deputies said.
When officers arrived, they discovered the man was one of the suspects from the assault, officials said.
Law enforcement said the man, later identified as Antini Saselli, 31, was wearing the same clothing seen in the surveillance video.
Saselli was taken to the hospital for treatment and later booked into the Whatcom County Jail for investigation of first-degree burglary, first-degree assault and first-degree attempted robbery, deputies said.
Deputies said the Volkswagen was found abandoned in the Birch Bay area Friday and they are looking for the other suspects. The other male suspect is believed to be 37-year-old Steven Scharton.
Both are wanted for investigation of first-degree burglary, first-degree attempted robbery and first-degree assault.
This is an ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office or call 911.
Cox Media Group
