Body of missing Kitsap man possibly found in container

Update

Deputies with the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office took Arnold Mafnas Cruz into custody in the early morning hours of Jan. 1.

Detectives were searching for Cruz in relation to the robbery of a South Kitsap home, and the alleged murder of its owner. Cruz walked into a South Kitsap business at 3:50 a.m. and asked an employee to call 9-1-1 to report that he wanted to turn himself in. He was soon arrested.

Cruz has been booked into the Kitsap County Jail. Bail has been set at $500,000.

A total of seven people have been arrested in relation to the robbery of a Central Kitsap home in December. Charges for the suspects include robbery and murder.

Original story

The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office believes it has found the remains of a missing man stuffed into a container in Mason County.

The sheriff’s office suspects that Robert Archie Hood, 89, was a victim of a violent robbery at his Central Kitsap home earlier in December.

On Wednesday, an investigation led Kitsap detectives to a Mason County home off of State Route 300, near Belfair. A container was discovered on the property that contained the remains of an elderly person. The sheriff’s office said that no official determination has been made as to the identity of the body. But the office believes it to be related to the case of the missing man, according to the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office.

Hood lived alone near Silverdale. He was last seen by his caretaker on Dec. 16. His caretaker reported him missing. Along with Hood, his wallet, checks, financial documents, rifles and about $2,000 were taken from the home. Hood is reportedly a millionaire.

Kitsap prosecutors have charged two men with the robbery, as well as three others with rendering criminal assistance. Another man was charged with possession of stolen property.

According to charging documents, investigators believe Hood was robbed and murdered two weeks ago and that his body was disposed of.

But police remain searching for another man, Arnold Mafnas Cruz, age 47, of South Kitsap. He is suspected to be involved with the crime in some way.

Kitsap detectives believe that Cruz has altered his appearance, possibly shaving most of his head. He could have a shaved head with a ponytail. He may have altered his facial hair.

Cruz is 6′ 4″ and 250 pounds, and is of Pacific Islander decent. He has black hair and brown eyes. He has multiple tattoos on his back, arms and hands.

Kitsap deputies warn that Cruz has been known to carry firearms and other weapons and should be considered dangerous.

Anyone with information to Cruz’s whereabouts can call: Detective Gerald Swayze at 360-337-4479; Detective Jason Bowman at 360-337-7064, extension 3731; or 9-1-1.

Anonymous tips can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Information from the Associated Press contributed to this article.