Burglary report leads to marijuana arrest

A Spokane homeowner was arrested after the man burglarizing his home discovered a marijuana grow operation, police said.

Police officers were sent to the home at 2528 W. Mallon at about 4:30 p.m. Friday after they had received a report of a burglary in progress, according to a statement issued by Spokane Police Cpl. Brad Hallock.

When officers arrived, they found the homeowner, C. Dean Johnson, 43, fighting with the intruder in the living room. After being arrested, the accused burglar, 26-year-old Simon T. Arnzen-Jones, told police there was a marijuana cultivation operation in the basement of the residence.

The living room reeked of burnt marijuana, and officers spotted drug paraphernalia and small amounts of dried marijuana, according to Hallock’s statement. After obtaining a search warrant, police discovered a 40-plant grow operation in the basement.

Arnzen-Jones has been booked into Spokane County Jail on suspicion of first-degree burglary. Johnson, the homeowner, is accused of drug possession and manufacturing marijuana with intent to deliver. According to the police statement, Johnson was unhappy about being busted but happy overall by the outcome.

” ‘At least we got the burglar,’ ” Johnson reportedly told police. ” ‘I think this is the guy that has burglarized me four other times. We finally got him.’ “

Johnson could not be reached for comment Saturday.