Pasco police catch knife-wielding robber

PASCO – Edgar Ortiz Hernandez was allegedly interrupted stealing from a Pasco home by the victim and then cut the victim with a knife.

Ortiz Hernandez, 32, was booked into the Franklin County Jail for robbery in the first degree, assault in the second degree, burglary in the first degree, and theft in the second degree, according to Pasco police.

At about 8:30 a.m. on April 9, a 56-year-old man returned home to the 600 block of South Beech Street from a laundromat to find a stranger in his house.

"According to the victim, the male slashed at him with a large knife, then ran off. The victim had non-life-threatening injuries to his hands consistent with defense wounds," stated Pasco police.

Neighborhoods witnessed what happened outside the house and officers quickly found the suspect running in the neighborhood.

Officers were able to catch st him, but the suspect was unarmed.

"But (he) did receive medical care prior to booking because he was observed eating potential drugs at arrest," stated police.

A large knife was located in a nearby yard and taken as evidence.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to call 509-628-0333 or email Officer Trever Sweeney at [email protected] about case 21-08981 Robbery.