A Clallam County jury took barely an hour Thursday, July 25, to convict Joseph Richard Hamner of residential burglary.

Hamner was seen by a neighbor early Memorial Day morning kicking in the back door of the attached garage of a Port Angeles residence. While the neighbor called 9-1-1, officers arrived and at gunpoint arrested Hamner inside the garage.

Hamner had a pry bar, pliers and a folding knife. An attempt had been made to pry open an interior door leading into the kitchen, according to testimony in court.

“Neighbors watching out for neighbors, with quick police response, resulted in this burglar being caught in the act,” Clallam County Prosecutor Deb Kelly said.

Hamner, 43, of Port Angeles told the jury he was homeless and looking for a place to sleep. Because of multiple prior felony convictions for burglary, as well as assault, stolen property, firearms and eluding police, Hamner should receive 63-84 months in prison at sentencing Aug. 7, Kelly said.