Snohomish County sex offender once found naked in homeowner's pool arrested again
Booking photo of Christopher Zellner from Shasta County, California
UPDATE - MAY 19, 2016
Christopher Zellner is back in the Snohomish County jail after deputies arrested him for allegedly beating a man almost unconscious. Court documents show the victim recognized Zellner as someone who had stolen his truck and wallet two years ago. He told deputies he confronted Zellner and called him a thief. The alleged victim says 'Zellner immediately got out of his car and punched him in the face with his fist' until he was knocked to the ground and blacked out briefly. A woman in the home yelled out of her window for Zellner to stop hitting and kicking him. Zellner drove away in his black Honda.
Deputies spotted Zellner in the 1200 block of S. Machias Rd. and pulled him over just before noon. He denied being at the home and told them he had been cutting firewood all day on Newberg RD. He could not give deputies the last name of the man he was with or his phone number or address. Deputies took photos of his right hand and knuckles which we 'noted were red in color. His vehicle was impounded because his license is suspended in the 3rd degree
Zellner is a convicted felon with extensive criminal history that includes narcotics, assault, and auto theft.
UPDATE June 10, 2015 --
Christopher Zellner registered with the Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday as he is required to do.
UPDATE June 8, 2015 --
Christopher Zellner was released from the Snohomish County Jail on Sunday and has until Wednesday to register as a sex offender with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office.
Sex offenders are not required by law to have a physical home address. They are only required to register and provide the address for where they will live. Those who cannot provide an address are listed as homeless.
Shari Ireton with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office says, "There are 99 homeless, registered sex offenders in the county and they are required to check in weekly with our office. When they don't, they are listed as "failed to register."
If he doesn't check in another warrant will be issued for Zellner's arrest.
FUGITIVE CAPTURED March 16, 2015 --
Christopher Zellner was arrested by deputies in Shasta County, California on Monday and booked into the Shasta County Jail.
Deputies say Zellner and his girlfriend were driving together in her truck and had parked at a convenience store. Deputies found Zellner in some bushes in front of the truck. They say he told them he and his girlfriend were headed to Mexico because it was just too hot for them with Snohomish County deputies and Washington's Most Wanted all over him.
Deputies say he seemed exhausted and relieved his run from the law was over.
His girlfriend was not arrested and was able to leave with the truck but Zellner remains in jail awaiting return to Washington state.
FUGITIVE WANTED IN SNOHOMISH COUNTY March 11, 2015 -- |
One day after deputies say fugitive sex offender Chris Zellner stole a Dodge Caravan in Snohomish to escape authorities, the vehicle was found at Bollenbaugh Hills Road and Old Pipeline Road outside Monroe Wednesday.
The van belonged to Tricia Dale's elderly mother. It was taken to Skyway Towing, where Dale got her first look at it.
"The b****** jacked everything!" Dale said when she discovered her bamboo drawing tablet and DJ controller that she uses for work gone.
The steering column was was also cracked open and the ignition ripped out.
"There is something sprayed all over this. It is gross in here," said Dale, referring to an oily residue inside the van.
She thinks Zellner sprayed WD-40 on everything.
Dale is a mother to five kids and says she's angry their sense of security has been stolen.
"I want to beat him with a 2x4 right now, is what I think about him."
Snohomish County sheriff's deputies say Zellner stole Dale's van to escape after a homeowner discovered him naked in his pool.
Shawna Andrew lives in the area outside Monroe where the van was abandoned.
"They might not have to look for him anymore if I found him (naked) like that,' said Andrew, who hopes Zellner is caught soon before somebody gets hurt.
"He's crafty and wreaking havoc all over Snohomish County," said deputy Jim Miner.
Zellner has a warrant for failure to register as a sex offender but he is also a suspect in numerous burglaries. Deputies say he is armed with a silver pistol.
If you know where he is, call an anonymous tip into:
CRIME STOPPERS: 1-800-222-TIPS
You must call the Crime Stoppers hotline with your tip to be eligible to receive a cash reward for information leading to a fugitive’s arrest.
CLICK HERE for information on how to TEXT A TIP to Crime Stoppers.