Man convicted of burglarizing residence on Memorial Day

PORT ANGELES — A Clallam County jury has convicted a Port Angeles man of residential burglary after the man was spotted by a neighbor kicking in the door of a Port Angeles home Memorial Day.

The jury took about an hour Thursday to convict Joseph Richard Hamner, 43, of one count of residential burglary in Superior Court, county Prosecuting Attorney Deb Kelly said Friday.

Kelly expects Hamner to receive between 63 and 84 months in prison at his sentencing Aug. 7.

Hiding in garage

According to police accounts, Hamner was seen kicking down the back door of a home in the 1000 block of East Third Street at about 7:51 a.m. May 27.

After the neighbor who saw Hamner called 9-1-1 emergency dispatchers, Port Angeles police officers arrived and found Hamner hiding in the home’s garage.

Hamner had a pry bar, folding knife and pliers with him, Kelly said.

During the trial, Kelly said Hamner told the jury he was homeless and looking for a place to sleep.

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Reporter Jeremy Schwartz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5074, or at jschwartz@peninsuladailynews.com.

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