Zip-tied burglar cries assault

A St. John man arrested for attempted burglary Wednesday morning complained to Whitman County Sheriff’s deputies that he had been assaulted by the homeowner who foiled the attempt and left him zip-tied on his garage floor.

Sheriff Brett Myers reported deputies recovered Michael E. McCarthy, 47, St. John, after responding to a 911 call at 6 a.m. Wednesday.

According to Sheriff Myers’ report, the home owner told emergency dispatchers her husband was fighting with McCarthy after they discovered him burglarizing their home. She later informed dispatchers her husband had “secured” McCarthy, and they would be waiting for deputies to arrive.

Deputies responded and arrested McCarthy. He reportedly admitted to officers he broke into the home with the intent to steal items, but did not feel his actions warranted being assaulted by the home owner.

McCarthy was booked into the Whitman County jail on charges of residential burglary, vehicle prowl, malicious mischief, assault and theft.