Repeat felon arrested in killing of 95-year-old man at Anoka home

The suspect, a repeat felon, is being held on suspicion of burglary and murder.

December 2, 2016 at 4:13AM

A 27-year-old repeat felon has been arrested in the killing of a 95-year-old man in the home where he lived on his own, authorities said Thursday.

The suspect, who also is from Anoka and lives a half-mile southeast of the victim's home, remains jailed on suspicion of murder and burglary ahead of imminent charges, said Anoka County Sheriff's Cmdr. Paul Sommer.

Albert John Loehlein was last seen on Thanksgiving Day when relatives dropped him off at his residence in the 1200 block of 5th Avenue S., Sommer said.

Loehlein's body was found Monday morning by a family member who stopped to drop off groceries, Sommer said. Loehlein lived independently but received some assistance from his family, the commander said. Authorities have yet to disclose the circumstances of Loehlein's death.

WCCO-TV, Channel 4, reported that Loehlein worked for decades for WCCO Radio (830 AM) tending to the transmitter in Coon Rapids.

Sommer said it appeared that someone had gone through the home, and there was "a very vague description of a male seen in the victim's driveway on Saturday morning" wearing winter clothing.

The suspect has a criminal history in Minnesota that dates to his teen years.

He has been convicted of first-degree burglary three times since 2006.

He also has been found guilty of theft, forgery, domestic assault and domestic abuse. Last month, he was charged with fraud for allegedly using the bank card information of a customer at a Wendy's fast-food restaurant in Rogers, where he worked.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

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Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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