Quincy homeowner takes down a burglary suspect

QUINCY – Quick work by a vigilant homeowner on April 14 helped Grant County Sheriff’s deputies catch a man suspected of burglarizing a rural Quincy home. ?

Stephen M. Bowman, 65, of College Place, faces charges of residential burglary, attempted third-degree theft, third-degree malicious mischief and resisting arrest. ?

The incident unfolded at around 12:40 p.m. when homeowner Lawrence Molitor called 9-1-1 reporting a burglary in progress at his home at 11719 Road K NW. Molitor said he was in the kitchen of the home holding down a man he found inside. ?

Molitor told authorities he was in another room attached to the home when he heard noises coming from outside. Molitor looked and saw an unoccupied Toyota Camry idling in the driveway.

Not recognizing the car, Molitor went inside the home and saw Bowman, carrying a Molitor family heirloom clock and attempting to run out the back door. Molitor tackled Bowman and held him while Deputies were on the way. ?

Deputies arrived a short time later and arrested Bowman after a brief struggle. Bowman, who was wearing gloves, complained his shoulder hurt. He was taken to Columbia Basin Hospital, where he was treated for a dislocated shoulder.

Then he was taken to the Grant County Jail. The Toyota was seized as evidence. ?

“Mr. Molitor was very brave confronting this man he found in his home,” Sheriff Tom Jones.

Anyone with further information about this case or cases where a gray Toyota Camry has been seen should contact the Grant County Sheriff’s Office at 509-754-2011 ext. 468, or send information to crimetips@co.grant.wa.us. Tipsters can remain anonymous. ?