Man arrested after allegedly stealing over $5,000 worth of items from a Bremerton residence

Police say two rifles were among the items stolen

A man was recently arrested after allegedly stealing over $5,000 worth of items — including two rifles — from a Bremerton residence.

According to a statement of probable cause, Bremerton Police were dispatched Aug. 19 to investigate a report of a burglary in the 3700 block of Maritime Drive SW.

The homeowner later found out from a neighbor that someone had entered the home earlier that morning after noticing suspicious activity captured on a security camera. By the time the homeowner arrived back at his residence, he found the garage door open where it appeared someone had “ransacked his garage,” according to court documents.

Bremerton Police discovered that the suspect allegedly entered the backyard and crawled through an unsecured open window in the dining area. The homeowner noticed many of his belongings were missing, including an AR-15 rifle and a hunting rifle.

Security footage also revealed a silver 2013 Volkswagen Passat had backed into the driveway and partially into the open garage where two males appeared to load items into the trunk. The rear passenger window of the vehicle was allegedly completely lowered or broken out.

The vehicle was determined to be registered to Bryson Carl Butler after Port Orchard Police located the vehicle at a residence, documents read. The vehicle was then towed to Bethel Towing in Port Orchard.

On Aug. 27, Bremerton Police Department Special Operations Group served a search warrant at Butler’s residence in Port Orchard. Authorities contacted Butler and found a black purse with an empty rifle magazine — commonly used with AR-15 platform rifles — on his bed, according to documents. Butler allegedly denied ownership of the purse and claimed someone had put the magazine there.

On Aug. 28, Bremerton police obtained a search warrant for the silver 2013 Volkswagen Passat. According to Bremerton police, a number of items belonging to the victim were found in the vehicle.

On Aug. 29, Bremerton police received a call from Butler, who allegedly said he denied being involved with the burglary. He then stated he was at the victim’s residence, but was trying to get someone to leave, documents read. Butler also claimed to not possess the two firearms and told police that he would see if he could get the guns and have them brought to the Bremerton Police Department.

Butler was arrested for first-degree burglary, third-degree theft, and theft of a firearm.