Officers recall crime, arrest suspected thief

Officers arrested a 19-year-old man for burglary and theft Monday after recalling he had victimized the same residence a few years earlier and that he only lived a short distance away.

Officers Chan Erdman and Brett Hubble were dispatched to a home in the 12200 block of East Grace Monday morning after the residents learned they had been victimized during the night, said spokesman Sgt. Dave Reagan.

The suspect allegedly forced his way into an attached garage and stole the wife’s purse, a highly-distinguishable mountain bike, a bottle of Pendleton whiskey and other items. Total loss was valued at more than $2,100.

Recalling that known burglary suspect Jonathan M. McElroy lived in the 12000 block of E. Fairview, and that he had broken into this same house while it was under construction a few years ago, the two officers went there and contacted the 19-year-old.

The suspect’s grandfather granted the officers entry into the home to speak with McElroy. The suspect gave the officers permission to search the home and the officers found an opened bottle of Pendleton whiskey.

They also found a backpack containing the burglary victims’ identification, and the stolen bicycle hidden under a sheet.

The two arrested McElroy and booked him into the Spokane County Jail on felony counts of residential burglary and First Degree Theft.