The arrests of two men this week may clear up at least a dozen recent vehicle burglaries, an official said.
Humberto Villaneuva, 23, and Rene Omar Romas-Mejia, 27, both of Carson City, were arrested Wednesday morning after deputies were called out to the 2001 block of Lone Mountain Drive because the men were acting "suspicious." Deputies allegedly found the men in possession of several pieces of suspected stolen property, according to the arrest report.
Dozens of power tools, compact discs, car stereos, and a speaker box were recovered along with two all-terrain vehicles found at storage units rented to Romas-Mejia in east Carson City. At least six cases have been tied to the loot, said Detective Dave Legros, including the following burglaries: April 25 in the 1400 block of Molly Drive, March 20 in the 1600 block of Snyder Avenue, March 16 in the 900 block of East Second Street and Feb. 15 in the 2200 block of Mouton Drive.
Sgt. Bob White said a bulk of the items have not been connected to existing cases yet. One of the ATVs was returned to its owner, but the owner of the second quad has not been identified.
"We're in the process of trying to determine which property goes to which victim. A lot of times people have stuff stolen and they don't report it," White said. "If you were a victim of a burglary - whether you reported it or not and you think this property belongs to you - give us a call."
Deputy Darrin Sloan said the number of power tools would suggest the men were also hitting construction sites in the area. Workers from a construction site burgled in Sparks will be checking out the goods today to see anything belongs to them.
To see the recovered items, contact the Carson City Sheriff's Department Detective Division at 887-2020, ext. 1400.
n Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.