Home Invasion Robberies Linked to Medical Marijuana

Over the weekend, two home invasion robberies in Kennewick, WA. appeared to target medical marijuana users. Both robberies are being investigated by Kennewick Police.

On December 16th at about 9:15 pm at the apartment at 465 N Arthur, 3 black male suspects wearing masks entered the apartment where Reed and Whitney live and Mortensen was visiting. The suspects tied up the victims and stole the medical marijuana, and undisclosed amount of cash and the victim’s cell phones. A handgun was brandished by one of the suspects. No one was injured. A full size van that is described as green, red, or blue was seen in the area.

On December 17th at about 8:00 pm at 1512 W 3rd, Mendoza was home alone where she lives with her brother, Luis Mendoza. She heard a knock at the door which she did not answer. The suspects entered the house, displayed a handgun and tied her up. The suspects took a 50″ flat screen tv, victim’s cell phone, laptop computer, and medical marijuana. The suspects are described as “chubby” Hispanic males wearing masks. No one was injured in the incident. A small black late model sedan was seen in the alley near the residence earlier in the day.

In both incidents, the victims allege that they possess medical marijuana cards. Investigators are investigating whether the cards are valid. We also have reason to believe that the victim’s may have been illegally selling marijuana.

Detectives don’t yet know if the crimes are connected — the suspects’ descriptions are different in each incident — but both victims are allegedly medical marijuana users, said Sgt. Ken Lattin.

If someone has information that they would like to provide while remaining confidential, they may call the Crime Stoppers line 1-800-222-TIPS