Probably not.

Debora A. Lee, who called 911 to admit robbing Timberland Bank on Friday, appeared in Superior Court on Monday. 

According to The Daily World: “Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecutor Gerald Fuller said he was concerned about releasing Lee from jail because she did not appear to have any place to live. She was also on probation for a previous third-degree assault charge.

“(Judge Mark) McCauley set bail at $50,000. Lee is scheduled to be arraigned next Monday.”

This was the first bank robbery to hit Ocean Shores, and, hopefully, the last. It’s just not a good idea.

Ms. Lee figured that out, about 15 minutes too late.

The first bank robbery ever in Ocean Shores took a bizarre twist: a 911 call from the thief.

Friday at 1:26 p.m., Timberland Bank reported that they were robbed by a woman who said she had a gun. Bank employees said the robber was a red-headed woman, wearing a red jacket, who drove east on Damon Road in a Hyundai.

At 1:32, as Ocean Shores Police were searching the area, a second 911 call came in.

“It was a female stating she just robbed a bank,” said Russ Fitts, deputy chief of the Ocean Shores Police Department.

According to Mike Styner, Chief of the Ocean Shores Police Department, “Total incidents for 2008 were down 12 percent from 2007. Class A Crimes, such as rape, robbery, burglary and assault were down 26 percent in 2008.” (The 26 percent drop in Class A crimes is a slight adjustment from the preliminary figures Styner gave at last month’s retreat, when he said those crimes had dropped by 29 percent.)

Styner noted that burglary was down 59 percent, compared to 2007.

These statistics reflect a continuing decline in crime in Ocean Shores.

From 1995-2002, the OSPD made an average of 402 arrests per year. (Click here for OSPD web site showing full chart of stats.)

Since 2003, the police have averaged 278 arrests – a 30 percent drop, even as the population has grown by more than 20 percent.

 In 2008, there were 271 arrests, in 2007 there were 285.

I was out of town yesterday when Ocean Shores had its first bank robbery. By now, you’ve probably heard the bizarre story: North Beach woman walks into Timberland with a note saying she has a weapon, demanding money. She gets the money, drives away, headed east.

Amateur bank robber drives to Damon Road, calling 911 to turn herself in. (Looking for reward money?) Ocean Shores police arrest her, all within a matter of minutes . . .

Driving back into town just about a half-hour ago, I saw four OSPD vehicles and a Grays Harbor Sheriff’s car pulled up to a house on Ocean Shores Boulevard. Whatever happened there was apparently under control. (There was an arrest made, for domestic violence.)

Two words: Spring fever.

From Detective Chris Iversen

Just a quick note to advise that I just received a report of counterfeit $20.00 bills being passed in Ocean Shores today.  These bills were described as being photocopies, so check the feel and appearance closely of any $20.00 bills you may receive.  For those of you that are merchants, they shouldn’t be able to pass the pen test, so if you’ve got a pen, use it.    

Be careful!

From the Ocean Shores Police Dept.:

On 03/04/09, Ocean Shores police officers, with assistance from the Grays Harbor County Drug Task Force, searched a residence and made an arrest of a  50 year old female on E. Rain St NE in Ocean Shores for drug related crimes.    

 The arrest came about after a package mailed from Oregon to the female, via the US Postal Service, was intercepted by police. A search warrant was obtained and the package was found to contain nearly two ounces of marijuana.  A controlled delivery of the package was then made with officers hidden nearby.  Once the package was accepted by the female, the arrest was made and the residence searched.  Drug paraphernalia and additional quantities of marijuana were found inside.  Charges against the female are pending review of the case report by the Grays Harbor County Prosecutor’s Office at this time.

Grays Harbor Sheriff Log

February 12, 2009

Copalis Crossing

Foot tracks and van on property, possible trespass.

Humptulips

Recently released male calling and making threats.

Violation of court order as well as obstructing and providing false statement.

Found puppy tied to guard rail.

Ocean Shores Police Log

Feb. 12

Razor Clam Dr SW

Speed limit sign down in road.

Ocean Shores Blvd NW

Citation for speed.

Point Brown Ave NE

Deceased dog in roadway.

Grays Harbor Sheriff Log

Jan. 22

Ocean City

Security assist with suspicious person/circumstance.

Possible death threats to parents.

Copalis Beach

Car windows broken and items stolen from vehicle.

OS Police Log

January 25, 2009

Cardinal Ave NE

Overturned boat in canal.

Copalis Ave NE

Cougar sited in roadway then went into wooded area.

Chance a la Mer NW

Possible theft/break in at storage unit using screwdriver.