Deputies accuse California man of using sauna during burglary

 Posted on January 22, 2013 in Shoplifting, Robbery & Burglary

Deputies in Calaveras County arrested a San Andreas, California man on suspicion of burglary after police say he used a sauna at a San Andreas residence. Officials say that a San Andreas homeowner found the suspect in the kitchen of the home last week, wearing a trench coat and socks. The resident claims that he chased the man out of his home and tackled the suspect in the driveway, while a neighbor called police.

Law enforcement apparently interrogated the man about his alleged presence in the home. Police claim that the man said that he thought the home was unoccupied and had entered the home to use the sauna. When questioned about his trench coat and socks, law enforcement says that the man told them that his clothes were on the floor near the sauna.

Police claim that several items were found in the man's possession when he was found at the home. Authorities say that the items had been stolen from the home and that the suspect admitted to taking small tools, batteries and other small items from the residence.

The 49-year-old San Andreas man was arrested on several felony charges. He is accused of burglary, indecent exposure in an occupied dwelling and felony possession of stolen property. He was booked into jail and bail has been set at $45,000.

California burglary charges can carry harsh consequences if a person is convicted. When burglary charges involve a residence, a conviction may be considered as a strike under California's three strikes law.

Sources:

• UPI, "Police: Burglar allegedly used sauna," Jan. 21, 2013
• The Modesto Bee, "After sauna, San Andreas suspect caught ... without his pants on," Erin Tracy, Jan. 17, 2013