A man Salisbury Police have arrested in connection with one burglary may be linked to a string of home break-ins on the west side of town, according to police.
Arthur James Jackson III, 38, also known as Authur, was charged with felony second-degree burglary, felony larceny after breaking and entering, misdemeanor simple possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jackson, of Old Wilkesboro Road, was caught outside a West Horah Street home early this morning with items that belonged to the homeowner.
“We are looking into him possibly being involved in recent breaking and entering cases,” said Salisbury Police Capt. Shelia Lingle.
Lingle said officers were patrolling in the area after a number of break-ins were reported around the Christmas holiday.
The home’s alarm system sounded, alerting a neighbor, who was watching the home for the owner. The neighbor called 911 for help and an officer was there within minutes. The officer noted a suspicious person lurking around and stopped the man to question him. The man, later identified as Arthur Jackson, was carrying three large drawstrings bags. The home had a broken back window, similar to the other homes that were broken into, a report said.
A number of homeowners have reported break-ins at homes on West Corriher Avenue, South Link Avenue, West Horah Street and Ackert Avenue. In those incidents, the thief gained access to the homes through a back window or back door. The suspect broke the glass or burst through the door.
Inside one of the drawstring bags were three pocketbooks, one of which was a designer bag. The bag had a piece of paper with the address of the homeowner inside it. The drawstring bags also contained clothing, a DVD player and remote control, as well as audio equipment.
Officers found other items at a nearby home that came from the West Horah Street break-in.
When officers went inside the home, they realized Jackson tried to cut the alarm system, but apparently cut the wrong wires.
Jackson was convicted in 2002 of misdemeanor failing to return rented property and in 2012 was convicted of felony breaking and entering.
He remains in the Rowan County Detention Center under a $10,000 secured bond.