Two men accused of breaking into a Friday Harbor apartment in pursuit of prescription drugs and of assaulting the man who lives there in the violent altercation that ensued will stand trial on felony charges in late October.

On Aug. 9, Travis James Webster, 26, and Taiya Autumn Speed, 23, each pleaded not guilty in San Juan County Superior Court to one count of first-degree burglary, a Class A felony that carries maximum penalties of life in prison, a $50,000 fine, or both.

Bail was set at $2,500 for each, pending trial.

According to court documents, authorities claim the two men were plotting to steal prescription medication from a man whom they both knew and wearing masks when they knocked on the door of his Linder Street apartment on July 11, shortly before midnight. Both were unarmed.

When the man answered the door, they reportedly kicked it open, rushed into the apartment and demanded that he hand over the medication. They allegedly pounced on the man and a struggle ensued.

The man’s two young daughters were asleep in the living room, near where the fight broke out, at the time, according to court documents. His wife, who quickly came to his aid, became involved in the altercation as well.

During the struggle, the husband and wife fended off the assault and unmasked the assailants, who then fled the apartment. The four combatants reportedly know one another and the two alleged burglars were identified by name by the couple following the break-in and attack.

Authorities arrested both Webster and Speed the following day.

— Scott Rasmussen