UPDATE: On Dec. 22, 2015, the suspect was formally charged in Anoka County district court with 1st Degree Burglary and remains in custody at the Anoka County Jail. Press Release
On December 21, 2015, a resident witnessed a suspect kicking in a neighbor's back door and making entry into the home. The witness took immediate and appropriate action by calling 9-1-1. Fridley Officers responded quickly and observed a suspect running away and jumping backyard fences between Main Street and 2nd Street.
Officers attempted to intercept the suspect at the 4800 block of 2nd Street without success. The suspect was observed carrying a black vinyl rifle case. The victim in this burglary confirmed that a bolt action hunting rifle was taken from his home. Fridley Officers conducted a thorough search of the area and a comprehensive investigation. Later that evening, Fridley Officers located and arrested the suspect and recovered the stolen property.
As a side note, on November 1, 2015, the same suspect was arrested in connection with an assault and robbery of a person that occurred in the 6800 block of University Ave NE.
Fridley Police were assisted by the Anoka County Sheriff Department, Columbia Heights Police Department and the Minnesota State Patrol during the initial search for the suspect.