Man arrested in shocking Auburn home invasion that was caught on camera

Auburn Police have arrested a man in connection with a dramatic home invasion that was recorded by a doorbell camera.

Auburn Police Major Crimes detectives, Special Investigation Unit detectives, and Valley SWAT members arrested him on charges of first-degree robbery and first-degree assault at around 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Auburn police believe the 31-year-old man is an active member of a crime group targeting Asian families across South King County.

With the man’s extensive criminal history, his bail was set to $1 million because the judge said he would be a danger to the community.

“Given the prior violent convictions, and given that there have been significant fears in the community regarding this behavior and my concern over future violent crime,” said Judge Rebecca C. Robertson with King County Superior Court.

Court documents show it’s not the suspect’s first run-in with the law. He most recently served 12 years in Pierce County, after being convicted of an assault with a deadly weapon in 2010.

“People should feel safe in their homes and they also want to know when something like this happens, that police and prosecutors are going to follow through. And that’s exactly what we’re doing here,” said Casey McNerthney, Public Information Officer with King County Prosecutor Attorney’s Office.

Prosecutors with King County says it warrants the $1 million bail, while the defense argued it should be lowered.

“He has a daughter on the way. His significant other, his girlfriend, is currently pregnant and she’s 5 months along,” said the defense attorney.

The incident happened on Oct. 19 when three masked men tried to break into a home in the 31000 block of 117th Place Southeast.

Home security footage showed the armed men announce themselves as Seattle Police before trying to kick in the door, according to Auburn Police.

In response, the armed homeowner inside quickly started firing shots through the door.

After the homeowner opened fire, as seen in the Ring camera video, they say the masked men fired back at the house. Several bullet holes were left across the front of their home, including one in the neighbor’s window.

The men fled after the gunshots were fired.

Police are still searching for the other two other suspects involved. The 31-year-old suspect is expected to be due back in court on November 6.