A Washougal teenager pleaded not guilty Friday to beating an 86-year-old woman during a home-invasion attempted robbery.
Nikita V. Zimin, 18, was arraigned on charges of first-degree attempted robbery, second-degree assault and first-degree burglary. The charges came with the aggravating factors that the alleged crimes were committed against a vulnerable adult and were an invasion of privacy.
Zimin was arrested last week after investigators reportedly linked him to the Jan. 5, 2010, incident through a DNA match.
According to court documents, Zimin allegedly used a ruse that his car broke down to enter the woman’s home in Washougal. Inside, he asked to use the phone and for a glass of water. Then he demanded that she hand over her purse. When she refused, Zimin struck her in the face, causing her to fall, according to a probable cause affidavit filed with the court.