Pubdate: Sun, 26 Dec 1999
Source: Oregonian, The (OR)
Copyright: 1999 The Oregonian
Contact:  1320 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201
Fax: 503-294-4193
Website: http://www.oregonlive.com/
Forum: http://forums.oregonlive.com/
Author:  Associated Press

ROBBERY VICTIM WHO REPORTS CRIME HAS MARIJUANA PLANTS IN ATTIC

KENT, Wash. (AP) -- A Kent man told police he was bound, handcuffed
and robbed in his home. But he didn't tell them about the 90 marijuana
plants growing in his attic.

The man was robbed about 2:30 a.m. Friday while he was sleeping.
Robbers broke into his house, sprayed him with pepper spray,
handcuffed him and taped his eyes and mouth shut, then ransacked the
house.

The robbers -- possibly three of them -- took numerous pieces of
entertainment and stereo equipment, about $1,000 in cash, a 1999 Ford
pickup truck and a 1988 BMW.

After they left, the man made his way to the garage and freed his
hands with an electric grinder. The telephone lines had been cut, so
he rode his bicycle to a nearby gas station to call police.

Police wondered why he didn't go to a neighbor's house to call and
began questioning his story when he was reluctant to have officers
search his house.

He eventually admitted to growing marijuana plants in his attic. The
man led officers to a utility trailer filled with growing equipment
and a bag of marijuana leaves.

Police are investigating the robbery. Officers confiscated his growing
equipment and at least one large bag of marijuana.
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