The second of two 17-year-old boys facing allegations of second-degree attempted murder for a home invasion robbery in Hazel Dell made a first court appearance Monday.
Aiden M. Swegles appeared in custody in Clark County Superior Court on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree robbery and second-degree possession of stolen property. Judge John Fairgrieve set bail at $3 million, and an arraignment was scheduled for Thursday, according to court records.
The prosecution moved Monday to hold Swegles without bail, but withdrew the request after Sean Downs — the teen’s court-appointed defense attorney — objected, court records say.
On Dec. 16, James Reese, 66, called 911 at 6:15 p.m. and reported that he’d been assaulted and robbed in his home by his granddaughter and two males, according to affidavits of probable cause. The granddaughter lives with Reese on the 2500 block of Northeast 83rd Way in Vancouver, the affidavit said.
Responding Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputies found Reese suffering from several stab wounds to his face and neck. Investigators later learned that he was also stabbed in the chest, which severed his carotid artery, had fractured facial bones and severely broken ribs. He was taken to the hospital, given a breathing tube and was unable to continue speaking with investigators.
Before entering intensive care, Reese was able to relay that the teenagers stole his cellphone and wallet and fled in his Dodge sedan, according to the affidavits. Reese described the male with the knife as 6 feet tall, with reddish hair and wearing a blue or red bandana over his face, the affidavit said. He reportedly described the second assailant similarly, minus the red hair.
Later that night, Clatsop County sheriff’s deputies and Seaside, Ore., police officers located the stolen car. Law enforcement from four agencies in Oregon pursued when it sped off, but the driver eventually crashed and four teenagers were arrested, according to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
One of the juveniles was treated for minor injuries.
Officers found that Swegles was in possession of a bandana and two debit cards belonging to Reese, according to an affidavit. The allegations do not include statements from Swegles.
In addition to Swegles, Alexander J. Rivers was arrested on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder and first-degree robbery. He made an in-custody first court appearance Friday, where Clark County Superior Court Judge Gregory Gonzales ordered that he remain in custody without bail, according to court records. An arraignment and bail hearing were scheduled for Thursday.
Two girls allegedly involved in the crimes — Amber R. Maxwell, Reese’s 13-year-old granddaughter, and Sophia Utton, 16 — were arrested on suspicion of first-degree robbery and motor vehicle theft. Online court records do not show that hearings have been scheduled for either teen.
The defense requested that no photos be taken of Swegles in court. Fairgrieve has granted the request, and the state has the option to argue against that decision in the future.
