CLARKSTON, WA – A man was arrested early Sunday morning after he was allegedly caught inside a secure U.S. Forest Service facility where a burglary had been reported just days earlier, according to an affidavit filed in Asotin County Superior Court.
Robert Scott Pfile, 35, is facing multiple felony charges, including two counts of second-degree burglary, second-degree theft, attempted second-degree theft, second-degree possession of stolen property, second-degree malicious mischief, and possession of burglary tools. He was booked into the Asotin County Jail following his arrest on Oct. 26.
A deputy with the Asotin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a motion sensor alarm at approximately 3:23 a.m. at the fenced recreation and law enforcement compound located at 2535 Riverside Drive. Surveillance video reportedly showed an individual wearing a headlamp inside the secure area.
When the deputy arrived, he located a green SUV parked near the main office. A woman was asleep inside the vehicle, and she told the deputy that she and Pfile were staying in the area overnight.
Deputies surrounded the fenced lot and made multiple loudspeaker announcements ordering the suspect to come out, court documents state. A short time later, Pfile was allegedly taken into custody after crawling out through a hole that had been cut into the fence.
Pfile allegedly admitted to cutting the fence days earlier during a prior burglary and acknowledged that stolen U.S. Forest Service property remained on-site. The affidavit states he claimed he returned to retrieve the property and had hidden his backpack inside the compound.
Deputies report finding stolen government gear, including snow and recreational equipment, both inside and on top of the vehicle. Investigators listed approximately $3,880 in stolen items. Several tools allegedly associated with the burglary — including wire cutters, screwdrivers, gloves, and heads for a Dremel cutting tool — were also recovered.
Investigators also documented damage to a U.S. Forest Service boat, including cut fuel lines that reportedly allowed gasoline to drain into the hull — damage they believe is connected to the earlier break-in.
The woman denied involvement in the alleged crimes and was released from the scene with the vehicle. Both individuals were issued trespass notices from federal property, according to the affidavit.
The case remains under investigation. Formal charging decisions will be made by the Asotin County Prosecutor’s Office.
