On March 10th at around 12:50 a.m., police were dispatched to the 2300 block of Willow Avenue for a report of a subject checking door handles on parked vehicles. When police arrived in the area of Ivy Avenue and E. Oakland Street, they observed a male subject matching the suspect description. The suspect was stopped, and identified as 21-year-old Tanner Patino of Rapid City. He allowed police to search his person. Two wallets were located on his person, each containing an ID which was not Patino’s. On further investigation, police determined Patino has been the suspect checking door handles in the area. Several other items of stolen property were located on his person. The wallets were returned to their owners who indicated they wished to pursue charges. Patino was placed under arrest for two counts of Criminal Entry into a Motor Vehicle before being transported to the Pennington County Jail.
This incident serves as a great reminder to always report suspicious behavior if it is witnessed. Additionally, the public should be advised to always secure their vehicles when leaving them unattended. A locked car is the best deterrent to vehicle burglars/thieves.
