Saturday, February 14, 2015
POLAND
Poland and Boardman police are asking for the public’s help to track down a suspect who they say is responsible for several car break-ins.
Police said at a news conference Friday that they now have DNA evidence and photographs linking an unidentified male to five unsolved cases that date back to 2009.
“If they’re able to give us information where we’re able to successfully prosecute this person, we’ll offer a reward,” said Poland Township Detective Greg Wilson.
Police made the connection among the various cases after an incident in December in which a man breaking into a car assaulted a Poland Township resident who confronted him.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation then used the flashlight recovered at the scene to make a DNA profile of the suspect. That DNA profile matched DNA profiles from blood collected from other car break-ins that happened in the area.
The DNA does not match anyone with a criminal record, police said.
The pattern of the suspect is to break into vehicles in areas near the Poland Municipal Forest and use stolen credit cards to purchase stamps at post offices, which he then likely trades for cash, police said. He reportedly used the cards at post offices in Poland, Boardman, Hermitage and Cleveland.
Police do not know what the suspect looks like, except that he wears a motorcycle helmet in the photographs of video surveillance they have.
“[People] won’t be able to recognize the individual, but maybe they will recognize the helmet, or his clothes, or they will have personal knowledge of the individual,” Wilson said.
“We’re hoping the biggest thing is the helmet,” Poland Township Police Chief Brian Goodin said.
Streets he reportedly has hit are all in the area where the three communities meet, on streets such as Indian Trail, Forest Hill Road and Windemere Place. “The Poland Woods is the common denominator, and I’m sure that’s his escape route,” said Poland Village Sgt. Jim Craven.
Police said they have worked tirelessly, using a variety of strategies, to nab the suspect. For example, Poland police conducted foot patrols and used bait cars to try to lure in the thief.
Several aspects of the case make it unique, police said.
“This is the only time where it’s been one individual we can all tie together,” said Poland Village Police Chief Russell Beatty Jr.
Another unusual aspect is that in some cases, the suspect broke into vehicles in well-lit areas under video surveillance, and resorted to smashing the windows. Most car break-in suspects target unlocked vehicles, police said.
Police believe he is acting alone, and say that he could be violent if confronted.
They ask that anyone with information contact one of the three departments.