DNA from a vape left at the scene of a residential burglary in 2025 led to the arrest of a Chehalis man Thursday.
Aaron D. Malone, 37, made a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Friday. He’s charged with one count each of residential burglary and harassment.
While harassment is considered a gross misdemeanor, residential burglary is a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Centralia police responded to a burglary complaint at an apartment complex in the 100 block of South Silver Street on Sept. 5, 2025.
The victim, who was moving items into her student apartment, said she was outside the complex unloading a vehicle when a man across the street called out to her.
According to the affidavit, the man asked the woman what her name was, made a comment about her body and “threatened to stab her.” He then walked toward her.
The woman reportedly retreated into a courtyard enclosed by a fence and secured by a locked gate. She went into her apartment, where she watched the suspect attempt to open the gate.
After failing to open the gate, the man allegedly jumped the fence with a “large knife in his mouth.” He then began to move some of the woman’s property outside of the courtyard before leaving.
According to the affidavit, another man had told the suspect the “police had been called.”
Police failed to locate the suspect, but found a vape and sunglasses left at the scene. After reviewing security footage from a nearby camera, an officer identified Malone as a suspect.
Police sent the vape to the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory, which ultimately led to a DNA match with Malone. A subsequent warrant for Malone’s DNA confirmed the findings.
During Malone’s preliminary hearing, Deputy Prosecutor Brandi Archer requested a bail amount of $20,000 cash or bond, citing a concern for community safety.
Archer later clarified that she meant to request $25,000 cash or bond.
Defense attorney Rachael Tiller asked for an unsecured bond and said Malone was “thriving” in Lewis County Drug Court. Tiller said she’d been told Malone attends every court hearing.
According to Tiller, Malone currently resides in the Drug Court’s housing and is employed.
Drug Court Manager Stephanie Miller also attended the hearing.
Judge Paul Strophy agreed to release Malone on an unsecured bond in acknowledgement of Malone’s current “ongoing success” in the program, which he said showed accountability and “significant changes” that would reduce the risk to community safety.
As part of his release conditions, Malone is prohibited from consuming alcohol or non-prescribed drugs.
He is scheduled for an arraignment on Sept. 24.
