Trio suspected in Spokane County burglary string

Three people arrested for burglaries in early February are believed to be responsible for a string of break-ins throughout Spokane County that began in November.

Detectives are recommending 30 felony charges against Michael Yamaguchi, 29, Stephen Victor, 19, and Samantha Winne, 19, the Spokane Valley Police Department announced Thursday.

The trio allegedly made spare keys while test driving vehicles from at least three car lots, then returned at night to steal the cars.

Police believe Winne baby-sat Yamaguchi’s children while Yamaguchi and Victor burglarized the businesses. The three are believed to be connected to seven gas station burglaries since November, as well as a burglary in February at Taco Bell, 10620 E. Sprague Ave.

Police say the businesses suffered tens of thousands of dollars in theft and property damage.