The suspect smashed the rear sliding glass door to gain entry to a home where he took jewelry and other valuables

A burglary suspect with an active felony warrant was apprehended Thursday night in La Center.

On Thursday (Nov. 17) at about 7:36 p.m., Ridgefield Police and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residential burglary in progress at a home near West 15^th Street and Pacific Highway in La Center.  

The homeowner was alerted by their security cameras to an unknown male subject in their home.  The suspect smashed the rear sliding glass door to gain entry.  He then proceeded to take jewelry and other valuables before exiting.  A neighbor observed what was taking place and attempted to follow the suspect as he left in a silver-colored sedan.  Due to the suspect’s reckless driving, the neighbor was unable to follow. 

Less than a minute later, 9-1-1 received calls that a silver sedan went off the roadway at NW Pacific Highway and West 10^th Street.  The male driver was observed walking away from the collision scene.  

With assistance from a Battle Ground Police K9 Unit, a track was completed.  While the track was ongoing, the burglary investigation revealed the suspect left behind evidence to assist law enforcement in identifying him. Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Tactical Detective Unit identified 45-year-old Christopher T. Gaetaniello as a possible suspect.  A photograph of Gaetaniello was obtained for officers on scene.  Additionally, Gaetaniello had an active felony warrant for his arrest.

At approximately 8:59 p.m., a deputy observed a male matching Gaetaniello’s description walking toward the Chevron in La Center.  He was detained without incident and positively identified to be Gaetaniello. Keys in his possession linked him to the vehicle collision.  Gaetaniello was interviewed by detectives and ultimately booked into the Clark County Jail on charges of Residential Burglary, Theft 1^st Degree, Malicious Mischief 2^nd Degree, and a U.S. Marshals warrant. 

Information provided by Clark County Sheriff’s Office.