Day Island Man Honored by Police for Confronting Dangerous Burglar

It takes courage to confront a criminal caught in the act, and University Place Police Chief Mike Blair honored a Day Island man for just that at the March 4 city council meeting. 

Larry Capps was recognized for his role in the Feb. arrest of Scott Reeder, a 44-year-old Roy resident who was caught breaking into a Day Island home and captured by police while attempting to flee in a rowboat.

Reeder has plead not guilty.

"Because of your help, we were able to track down a career criminal," said Blair. 

Capps was at home on his lunch break on Feb. 4 when he noticed a stranger next door and called his neighbor at work. The person was uninvited and Capps called 9-11.

He then confronted Reeder and attempted to block him in the driveway with his vehicle until police arrived. The suspect rammed Capps' car multiple times to escape and was then confronted by the homeowner in her car. She tried to block him in too, but Reeder rammed her car and sped up the narrow boulevard before ditching the vehicle and fleeing on foot to the rowboat. He was captured by University Place Police as he climbed out of the water not too far away.

Blair told the packed Town Hall that Capps' willingness to confront a violent suspect is not something to be taken lightly, and is recognized by police as a sign of courage against possible lethal force.

"You put your life on the line to help," said Blair. "And for that, we thank you."