Would-be burglar trapped in chimney pleads not guilty

SEATTLE -- A man who police say was trying to break into South Seattle house when he got stuck in the chimney pleaded not guilty on Thursday.

Shon M. Shanell, 23, has been charged with attempted residential burglary for the Feb. 19 incident at a home in the 7700 block of Seward Park Ave. N.

Investigators said Shanell had made it most of the way down the soot-filled shaft, but the bottom proved to be too narrow and he became stuck on top of the fireplace flue.

Shanell was stuck in the chimney for nearly six hours before firefighters managed to get him out.

He was only discovered because a neighbor walking by heard someone screaming for help from inside the chimney.

In 911 recordings released Monday, the neighbor can be heard telling Shanell to save his energy and wait for help.

Police found a screwdriver near the front entrance gate of the home, as well as Shanell's green backpack lying by the garage, according to court documents.

Nothing was stolen from the home, but the chimney was badly damaged.

Shanell is being held in the King County Jail on $100,000 bail.

Court records show Shanell has previous arrests for possession of stolen vehicle and various drug offenses.