A 39-year-old South Whidbey man who allegedly burglarized a Freeland home was caught green-handed, court documents indicate.

Prosecutors charged Eric Rudd in Island County Superior Court Feb 14 with first-degree burglary, theft of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree.

Rudd’s bail was set at $25,000 at a Feb. 13 hearing. If convicted of the charges, he could face up to two years and 10 months in prison under the standard sentencing range.

Deputy Darren Crownover with the Island County Sheriff’s Office investigated the burglary that occurred Feb. 12 at a Harbor Sands Lane home. The resident reported that someone entered the home overnight and stole a gun, a collection of old coins and a gold ring.

The homeowner showed the deputy the sink, which had green liquid inside. The man said the green stuff had not been there before the burglary and he didn’t know what it was. Crownover noted in his report that it appeared to be green food dye.

The resident said he suspected Rudd because of a dispute involving money.

Crownover and another deputy went to Rudd’s home at the Freeland Inn. Rudd answered the door, but refused to exit the residence or allow the deputies to come inside. Crownover asked him to show his hands. Rudd brought his hands forward and the deputy could see that his right hand was stained green, which he wrote was consistent with the food dye in the sink.

The deputies arrested Rudd, who then admitted to the burglary, Crownover wrote. The deputies found the gun and other items inside the room and returned them to the owner.

Crownover later asked Rudd about where the green dye came from, but he said he didn’t know. Rudd said he was drunk when he committed the burglary and does stupid things when he drinks. He said the homeowner’s father owes him money.

“Rudd said he did not steal to be mean, it was a stupid joke between friends,” the deputy wrote.