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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sirens & Gavels

5 arrested in Adams Co. home invasion

Five people have been arrested for a home-invasion robbery in Adams County Friday that targeted a couple living with their 3-year-old son.

Roger Martinez, 20, of Othello; Julia JiJon, 18, of Warden; Diego Mendez, 19, of Othello; and Rocky Mendoza, 18, of Othello; and a 17-year-old boy are accused of entering the home in the 2000 block of Bench Road, about one mile south of Othello.

Adams County sheriff's deputies responded to the home about 9:40 p.m., where they located a 23-year-old man who had been hit in the face with the butt of a shotgun, according to a news release. He was taken by ambulance to Othello Community Hospital, where he was treated and released.

The man was home with his 34-year-old wife and their 3-year-old son when the men knocked on he door, then forced their way inside once it opened. Two men had a a bandanna covering their faces, a a third held a shotgun, according to a news release.

The men forced the victim into a bedroom and ransacked the home, stealing electronics, alcohol, the couple’s wedding rings, and their car. Three men remained outside the home.

Othello police found the stole car about 3 a.m. Saturday. They recovered the shotgun and arrested the car's two occupants. Three other suspects were arrested later; one remains at large.

All suspects face charges of first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, second-degree theft, and theft of a motor vehicle. The juvenile is being held at Martin Hall Detention Center in Medical Lake. The others are booked at the Adams County Jail.

Public safety news from the Inland Northwest and beyond.