Two girls arrested for burglary of museum

Girls, 14 and 11, reportedly entered Reiman-Simmons House museum

QUINCY — Two female juveniles were arrested Monday night on charges of burglary after entering the historic Reiman-Simmons House through a window, authorities said.

A Quincy Police Department press release said that a 14-year-old female will be charged with burglary in the second degree and obstructing a public servant in connection with the incident. An 11-year-old female was also charged with burglary in the second degree for her role in the incident.

The Reiman-Simmons House is a 1904 farmhouse listed on the Washington State Register and is now a museum dedicated to the history of the Columbia Basin and the pioneers who settled in the area. It is located at 415 F Street S.W.

"I don't think they were after anything in particular," said Harriet Weber, the public events coordinator for the home. "I really don't know if it wasn't just a juvenile prank."

Weber said that three windows have been broken out of the home in the last six weeks and that someone broke into the garage a month ago. All incidents were reported to the police, she said.

"We've been having a lot of vandalism lately," she said.

During Monday's burglary, however, nothing was ruined and there was no vandalism, Weber said.

The suspects apparently set off the silent alarm system and by the time the police arrived the two alleged burglars were still inside.

The two suspects were then ordered out of the house and exited without incident, the QPD said.

The charges will be pursued in juvenile court regarding this alleged offense.