Burglary suspected motive in brutal stabbing

“Omer was stabbed several times during the attack, including wounds to his side, chest area and head,” Sheriff Frank Rogers

OKANOGAN – The Okanogan County Sheriff’s office has located and arrested a man they were seeking in the brutal stabbing and robbery of an Oroville man at the end of last month.

Ryan P. Mulligan was located and arrested last night (Wednesday, Aug. 20) in Wenatchee by the Wenatchee Police Department. Arrangements will be made to bring Mulligan back to Okanogan County.

Detectives are were looking for Ryan P. Mulligan, 28 of Oroville. Mulligan, who has family in Oroville, is considered homeless but had been staying in the area since 2013. Detectives requested an arrest warrant for Mulligan regarding this case.

According to Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Rogers, Mulligan is wanted for the following: attempted murder in the first degree, robbery in the first degree, residential burglary and theft in the third degree.

“At this time robbery appears to be the motive of the stabbing,” said Sheriff Rogers.

On July 31 a stabbing was reported at 1 Balmes Road in Oroville. The victim, John R. Omer, 58, of Oroville, was at home sleeping when he was woken up by an intruder in his residence.

“Omer was stabbed several times during the attack, including wounds to his side, chest area and head,” said Rogers.

Although Omer was not able to get a look at the suspect and was first reported as being “uncooperative,” he has since been working with detectives and deputies on the possible suspect in the case. Detectives and deputies have also interviewed several other witnesses in the case, according to the Sheriff.