Anthony Paich’s alleged act of revenge-fueled property damage was both costly and misplaced.
Before last week, Paich had no criminal history. Now, the 31-year-old Centralia man faces one count each of second-degree malicious mischief and driving under the influence after he reportedly broke several windows in a Chehalis resident’s house.
If convicted, Paich could serve up to five years in prison and pay $10,000 in fines.
Paich might have missed his target. Instead of breaking the windows of his ex’s new partner, Paich allegedly broke the windows of the partner’s neighbor.
According to court documents, that neighbor called police shortly after the incident on Nov. 5, saying he thought someone had shot out his garage-door window.
The caller noted there was a helmet on his front porch and a “motorcycle running up and down the street.”
A sheriff’s deputy located the motorcyclist nearby. He wasn’t wearing a helmet.
Meanwhile, local police responded to the caller’s house and discovered more broken windows on the property — but did not find evidence they had been shot out.
Police did, however, find blood on the glass and wood.
According to court documents, Paich allegedly told law enforcement he had been in the area because his wife “was on one of those streets and he was upset about it.”
Paich smelled like alcohol, police reported. His speech was slurred. His hands were bloody.
Court documents state that Paich’s ex “arrived and explained that she had been staying with her new partner” on the street. Her new partner also provided a statement indicating Paich had a “grudge” against him because he was dating Paich’s former partner.
So, why break the neighbor’s windows?
According to court documents, the partner stated that Paich’s ex had parked her car in front of the neighbor’s house.
Paich was transported for medical clearance and later booked into jail.
“While at the jail, Mr. Paich agreed to perform a (blood alcohol content) test. The results of the BAC test approximately four hours after the stop showed .138, .143, .139, and .144,” court documents state.
Paich made a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Thursday, Nov. 6.
Judge Paul Strophy set bail at $10,000 unsecured. As part of the release conditions, Strophy prohibited Paich from contacting the victim, Paich’s ex or her current partner.
An arraignment was scheduled for Nov. 13. Don Blair will represent Paich.
