RENO, Nev. (Mynews4.com & KRNV)- "Inventory was at absolute peak the Tuesday before Thanksgiving you know," said John Coman. Coman is AT&T Regional Manager and works at their Lemon Drive store. He showed News 4 where a burglar or burglars broke into the store. "He actually came in through the roof, said Coman.
Coman says the thief or thieves took everything. He says about 100 phones were stolen valued at about $50,000.
The store has an alarm and surveillance but the suspect or suspects were able to outsmart the system. "He had to know what they were doing to bypass the system," said Coman. There were actually still boot prints and hand prints left where the burglar kicked in the office door. Coman says they took personal computers and equipment. "They even took the stamps," he said.
Reno Police believe this unique burglary could be linked to a similar burglary attempt on Sunday. Police Sgt. Patrick Dreelan says they Jason Stidham, 34, attempting to drill into the roof of Money Tree Cash Advance Center off Clear Acre Lane early Sunday morning. "This guy was obviously prepared," said Dreelan.
Dreelan says Stidham used battery powered drilling tools, saws, a video scope, video cameras for surveillance and a police scanner. "That allowed him to stay up there and do what he needed to do," said Dreelan. But Stidham tripped an alarm while on the roof and police were able to respond and set up a perimeter. Dreelan says Stidham heard the communication on his police scanner. "When he heard it was where he was located he panicked and jumped off the roof," said Dreeland.
"We located some property links him to other burglaries," said Dreelan. The cell phones that were stolen from AT&T happened to be traceable and Coman tells News 4 he has been contacted. "They think they recovered some property," said Coman.
Stidham is being held in Washoe County Jail on more than $100,000 bail. An investigation is ongoing.
