Man, 24, arrested in rash of car thefts, burglaries in 3 counties

Last update: October 22, 2009 - 9:15 PM

Police arrested a 24-year-old suspect Thursday in connection with a month-long string of burglaries in Carver, Wright and western Hennepin counties.

Authorities suspect the man of at least 20 burglaries of homes and storage sheds and at least five car thefts, said Carver County Sheriff Bud Olson.

Most of the crimes happened in the triangle formed by the cities of Delano, Mound and Watertown, Olson said. The Carver County incidents began Sept. 19.

Authorities were concerned this week that the burglar was becoming more active and daring, hitting at least two occupied homes in the past couple of days, Olson said. The stolen items include "everything from washers and dryers to digital photo frames to iPods to cash," he said.

The Carver and Wright County Sheriff's Offices, as well as the West Hennepin Public Safety Department, had been investigating the rash of crimes.

The suspect, who was in custody Thursday evening, may not have a permanent address, Olson said. The suspect had not yet been formally charged.

SARAH LEMAGIE

Recent West Metro stories

MPCA apologizes for gag order on Carver County commissioner - October 22, 2009

MPCA apologizes for gag order on Carver County commissioner - Carver County Commissioner Tom Workman had been told not to talk about septic system issues at a county-owned facility. More