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Breakthrough in burglary spree?

Posted on June 19, 2013 by Sonoma Valley Sun

A man carrying a crowbar in a deserted parking lot at 2 a.m. Wednesday could be responsible for up to 10 Sonoma burglaries. Harlan Butler, 44, of Santa Rosa, was arrested for possession of a burglary tool and violating probation.

“This could be the guy,” said Sgt. Dave Thompson.

Similar retail and commercial burglaries have taken place over the last few weeks, including the most recent overnight break-ins at The Flower Shop, the Rudolph Building and Pandora’s Box.

None of the robberies yielded a big score. Merchandise was often taken, and a few hundred dollars from store cash registers. Computers were bypassed.

A deputy on patrol spotted Butler walking through behind MacAlou’s department store early Wednesday. Seeing the vehicle, Butler attempted to drop a crowbar he had been holding, according to Sgt. Dave Thompson. He was also carrying gloves.




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