News Update

POSTED: Friday, Apr. 24, 2009

Suspects and victims arrested in Lynden robbery

Two robbed, then deputies found marijuana in their home

LYNDEN - Three suspects in a home invasion robbery on Halverstick Road weren't the only ones arrested Thursday night, April 23.

The alleged victims of the robbery also were taken into custody when Whatcom County Sheriff's deputies found more than 13 pounds of marijuana in their home.

Shortly before 9 p.m., 911 operators received a call that a vehicle with three people inside pulled up to a house and two men had forced their way inside, one carrying a pump-action shotgun, said Sgt. Larry Flynn of the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office. The men demanded the victims retrieve several thousand dollars hidden in the home.

After the suspects fled, deputies spotted their vehicle speeding southbound on Guide Meridian near Axton Road, Flynn said. The vehicle was pulled over and the shotgun and the cash were found in the car.

Michelle E. Joanen, 19, of Custer, Charles R. Mulcahy, 18, of Bellingham, and a 16-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary, Flynn said.

Meanwhile, deputies returned to the house with a search warrant because "several things made it suspicious," Flynn said. First, the house smelled strongly of marijuana. Second, the victims were unemployed yet they had several thousand dollars hidden in their home.

During the search, deputies found more than 13 pounds of dried, processed marijuana, Flynn said.

Eddie B. Ryan, 22, and Christopher L. Kortlever, 19, both of Lynden, were arrested on suspicion of drug possession with intent to deliver.

At least one of the people arrested in the robbery was acquainted with the alleged drug sellers, Flynn said.

The 16-year-old boy arrested in the robbery is the same person whose birthday party was raided by sheriff's deputies Feb. 28. Deputies arrested about 40 people after finding minors drinking beer at a house in the 7600 block of Avery Way. The boy's father, Miles A. Joanen, 63, was arrested on multiple charges including providing alcohol to minors and resisting arrest.

The Bellingham Herald does not publish the names of juveniles unless they are charged as adults or are involved in crimes that cause significant injury or death.