Southeast business burglary spree ends with arrest of 60 year old suspect
WASHINGTON, DC – A four-month string of overnight break-ins at Southeast businesses has ended with the arrest of a 60-year-old man accused of forcing his way into stores and stealing property before fleeing on foot.
Andrew Lee Barnes, 60, of Southeast, was arrested Monday and charged with nine counts of second-degree burglary and five counts of destruction of property, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.
Investigators allege Barnes is responsible for a series of burglaries that occurred between October and February across multiple Southeast corridors, including Alabama Avenue, East Capitol Street, E Street, Marion Barry Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue.
Police said in each incident the suspect forcibly entered closed businesses during early morning hours and removed items before leaving the scene on foot.
The alleged offenses include break-ins on the 1500 block of Alabama Avenue in October and November, additional incidents on East Capitol Street in December, and multiple burglaries in January and February along Alabama Avenue, E Street and Marion Barry Avenue. A destruction of property case was also reported on Pennsylvania Avenue on February 11.
Authorities said detectives determined the incidents were linked to the same suspect through their investigation.
The Metropolitan Police Department credited the Metro Transit Police Department for assisting in the apprehension.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Key Points
- Andrew Lee Barnes, 60, was arrested in connection with nine Southeast burglaries
- Break-ins occurred between October and February at multiple business corridors
- The suspect faces nine burglary charges and five destruction of property charges
