Subject Arrested on 6 Counts of Burglary

Arrested: Neff, David M; 25 year of age male, Richland resident
Charges: 6 counts Burglary 2nd Degree

On September 1, 2011 at approximately 1:00 AM police were dispatched to 953 Stevens Drive on a call of a burglary that had just occurred. Officers arrived at Columbia Basin Imaging and found that it had been entered and that several items had been removed. There was physical evidence at the scene of the burglary that indicated the suspect may have been injured during the crime.

A K-9 unit was called in and attempted a track that was ultimately unsuccessful in locating a suspect. Several hours after the initial report officers saw Neff walking in the area. He had a bandaged arm and appeared to have been injured recently. After contact was made it was discovered that the soles of his shoes matched a very similar pattern found at the burglary scene. Additional physical evidence was discovered that linked Neff to the Columbia Basin Imaging incident.

A check from Columbia Basin Imaging was found in Neff’s pocket after he was arrested.

Investigators have linked Neff to 6 other commercial burglaries in Richland that have occurred in August. A search warrant served on a home he was staying at recovered computers, electronics, a camera and cell phone stolen from businesses.

Additional evidence is being analyzed to determine his involvement in a minimum of 4 other cases.

After consulting with the Benton County Prosecutor’s Office, Neff was booked into the Benton County jail on the above charges.

Additional information will be released as it is received.

Contact Capt. Mike Cobb at 942-7362 with questions.