By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post
The Hays Police Department is praising a group of its officers for their work in capturing a suspect in multiple burglaries last week in Hays.
According to HPD, officers responded to a burglar alarm at the Northridge Plaza in the 2700 of Vine Street at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Thu., March 10.
When officers arrived on scene they found evidence of multiple burglaries within the Plaza, according to Lt. Brandon Wright. Officers quickly set up a perimeter led by Sergeant Jason Bonczynski. While investigating the businesses, one officer heard footsteps and saw a man wearing a ski mask and black clothing fleeing the scene.
Wright said officers were able to pursue the suspect and place Russell Lee Brewer, 46, Perryville, AR, under arrest on suspicion of burglary and drug charges.
Wright said, “It is very, very rare to catch a burglar in progress.”
“We respond to a lot of alarms. Most of them are false, we always go to them,” Wright added. “We preach to our people don’t let your guard down. Any one of these could be the real deal.”
After arresting Brewer, officers executed a search warrant at a hotel room where he was staying, leading to more drug charges. Wright said they also recovered property they believed to be connected to other cases outside of Hays. That investigation is still ongoing.
Brewer was arrested on suspicion of felony burglary, theft, criminal damage to property and drug possession.
In all, there were 11 burglaries reported in the area of 27th and Vine Street.
The Hays PD is also investigating another series of other burglaries in the same area in recent weeks and there has been an increase police presence in the area.
Wright said they are really proud of the officers for apprehending Brewer and recognized the officers–Sergeant Jason Bonczynski, Officer Evan Kronn, Officer Phillip Gage and Trainee Officer Nolan Weiser–for their work that morning.
“They did a good job of coordinating their efforts in catching this guy, who was victimizing the community,” said Wright.