SAN DIEGO — A suspected serial restaurant burglar was arrested early Thursday after an overnight crime spree that ended in a crash on State Route 56, San Diego Police said.
Robert Coleman Jr., 33, is accused of breaking into three San Diego-area restaurants using a sledgehammer, causing extensive property damage. Police said Coleman was tracked through license plate reader technology after breaking into restaurants including Board and Brew and Sushi Ren in 4S Ranch, and Ramon's Taco Shop in University City.
Surveillance video shows a masked suspect frantically searching cash registers, leaving without stealing money but causing significant damage.
Coleman faces multiple investigations, including a current felony warrant, recent charges from the San Diego District Attorney, a suspected connection to a November crime spree in Tierrasanta, and August break-ins in San Marcos targeting multiple businesses.
At the arrest scene, police recovered a sledgehammer, ski mask, and gloves. Coleman is being held on $500,000 bail and is scheduled for arraignment on Monday. Investigating agencies are collaborating to determine if he is linked to additional burglaries across multiple counties.
The investigation remains ongoing, with detectives working to connect potentially related criminal incidents and assess the full scope of Coleman's alleged criminal activities.