Males arrested for burglary, resisting in Rathdrum

RATHDRUM - Two male transients with violent criminal histories were arrested in Rathdrum late Tuesday night after an alleged burglary attempt at a residence.

James C. McCutchen, 31, Everett, Wash., and Timothy J. Mullenix, 28, Port Angeles, Wash., were booked into the Kootenai County jail for burglary and resisting arrest.

"Both suspects have extensive violent criminal histories," said Rathdrum Police Chief Kevin Fuhr.

Both are being held on $50,000 bonds.

Police responded to the 7500 block of Main Street at 11:55 p.m. Tuesday for a burglary in progress.

The female homeowner observed a male in the shed behind her residence allegedly stealing a bicycle and a suitcase with tools, according to the police report. The homeowner gave officers a physical and clothing description of the suspect.

Officers requested assistance from a Post Falls police K-9 unit to track the suspect in an adjoining lot. Two males attempting to hide in tall weeds were located.

The suspects were ordered to follow officer commands, but failed to do so, the report states. The K-9 was then used to help take the suspects into custody.

McKutchen was injured by the K-9, but was treated and released from Kootenai Health before being booked into jail.

"Once the dog grabbed the first suspect, the other cooperated," Fuhr said.

After the arrests, the homeowner identified property that had been taken from her shed. Officers found a homemade knife, that had been concealed, under one of the suspects.

Rathdrum officers had contacted both suspects on Main earlier in the night.

"They were contacted because they were intoxicated and walking in and out of traffic," Fuhr said. "They were told to get out of the street."

The males were carrying backpacks during the contact and, when officers arrived for the burglary investigation later in the evening, the same backpacks were found on the sidewalk in front of the victim's residence.

Mullenix's prior arrests have been for trespassing, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, possession of stolen property, unlawful possession of a firearm and vandalism.

McCutchen's previous arrests have been for assault, resisting arrest, obstructing law enforcement, theft, drugs, forgery and possession of stolen property.