SANTA CRUZ, Calif.-Santa Police have arrested a suspect in connection with two burglaries.
42-year-old Richard Stipe is accused of burglaries at Santa Cruz Glass and Khyber Pass Restaurant, both on the 800 block of Pacific Ave, that happened in the early morning hours of February 14.
Investigators say both businesses had their back doors forced open. One of the businesses was ransacked, and the other business had its cash register forced open and $170.00 stolen.
During the investigation various items left at the scene were processed as evidence. One of the items was a digital camera, which was believed to have been left behind by the suspect. During further inspection of the digital camera a photo of Richard Stipe was located.
On February 15, 2013 Officer Azua responded to a suspicious circumstances call on River St. During the call Officer Azua contacted Mr. Stipe. Officer Azua recognized Mr. Stipe's photo being in the camera from his previous burglary investigation. During his contact with Mr. Stipe, Officer Azua questioned Mr. Stipe about his camera being left at the scene of the two burglaries. Mr. Stipe confessed to the burglaries and subsequently was booked into jail for Burglary.
If anyone has any information regarding the burglary, the Santa Cruz Police Department requests you call the Investigation Section at 420-5820. If people want to leave ANONYMOUS information regarding this incident, please call our TIP LINE (831) 420-5995.
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