VISTA, Calif. — Robert Coleman, a 33-year-old man accused of a string of burglaries across San Diego County, was arraigned on Tuesday at the Vista Courthouse on multiple felony charges. Coleman faces six counts of burglary and six counts of vandalism, with the possibility of additional charges for more than a dozen break-ins.
Coleman, who allegedly used a sledgehammer to break into various businesses throughout the county, was arrested last week following three burglaries.
Police tracked Coleman's vehicle using license plate readers near the crime scenes. He was apprehended after spinning out on a freeway off-ramp, with authorities reportedly finding a sledgehammer and ski mask in his car.
During the arraignment, confusion arose regarding Coleman's bail amount. Initially set at $500,000, it was later clarified to be $1,500,000 but may jump to $2,245,000 after an arraignment later this week downtown.
One affected business owner, Jorge Reategui of a Peruvian restaurant, said the thief who entered his business stole several hundred dollars. "They took all the cash. They took the cash that was in the cashier, and we had a safety box with cash. They took it too." Reategui said.
He also mentioned that his restaurant was targeted on the same night as a nearby Dairy Queen in the same shopping center.
According to jail records, Coleman is scheduled to appear at the downtown courthouse on Thursday to be arraigned on an additional 32 felony charges.
As the investigation continues, authorities believe Coleman may be responsible for more than a dozen break-ins across San Diego County. The case highlights the use of technology, such as license plate readers, in apprehending suspects involved in multiple crimes across a wide area.