2 Arrested New White Bluffs School

Arrested: Yeater, Darren G.; 21 year of age male, Richland resident
Charge: Felon in possession of a firearm

Arrested: Butler, Sarah R.; 18 year of age female, Kennewick address
Charge: Possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) with the intent to deliver


Synopsis:

On November 16 at approximately 12:30 PM personnel from the Richland Police Department and Benton County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of the 4200 block of Cobblestone Ct in response to a call of a burglary in progress. The resident had come home from a trip and found two people in her house that were not authorized to be there. The victim advised that she had eventually been able to identify one of the subjects as her son, Darren Yeater but that Yeater did not have permission to enter her home in her absence. As a precaution (due to close proximity), White Bluffs elementary school was notified of the occurrence and elected to go into a lockdown status for approximately 15 minutes.

As officers entered the residence to secure it, the victim stated that she had found brass knuckles and bullets in the room Yeater was occupying. Police also observed a revolver, with the hammer cocked, sitting on a dresser. Next to the revolver was a pipe of the type that is normally used for smoking methamphetamine.

Yeater and Butler were both detained as the investigation into the incident continued. Butler initially claimed the pistol that had been found. She stated that she carried it because she deals drugs on the street and needed it for protection.

The victim confirmed that Yeater does not have a key to the house and is not to be there when she is not home. There were no signs of forced entry into the residence and it appears as if the two suspects may have entered via an unlocked garage bay door.

A search warrant was applied for and granted. The search warrant revealed that the revolver found on the dresser was a .22 caliber loaded with 6 rounds. Near where Yeater and Butler had been sitting officers found a bag containing a scale, 15 grams of marijuana, 11 grams of methamphetamine, and 12 pills of hydrocodone. In a second bag officers found small plastic baggies of the type commonly used to package drugs for sale on the street. A third bag was located that contained fifty .22 caliber pistol rounds.

A gray backpack was located and inside the backpack officers found 3 hypodermic needles, gift cards, cell phones and a camera. Finding these types of items in the quantity and location they were in lead the officers to believe that they may be stolen. Butler confirmed that she had exchanged the items in her possession for drugs.

Registration paperwork was found that belonged to a Volkswagen that had been reported stolen on November 14, 2011.

Contact was made with the Benton County Prosecutor’s Office. They authorized a 72 hour hold on Yeater and Butler for the above listed charges. After the investigation is complete they will review the case and determine if any additional charges would be appropriate.

Stating that he was under the influence of methamphetamine, Yeater asked for medical assistance. He was transported to Kadlec hospital for medical clearance. After being cleared both Yeater and Butler were booked into the Benton County jail.