Burglary Probe Results in Arrests of 3 in Poway

A monthlong burglary investigation by the Sheriff’s Department resulted in the arrests of three suspects and about $37,000 worth of stolen articles from a Poway house that one deputy described as a virtual “department store,” authorities said.

“We have a 12-by-12-foot room and it is absolutely packed,” Lt. Jerry Lipscomb said. “It’s filled three-quarters of the way up to the ceiling with contraband. It’s absolutely amazing. It’s like a department store.”

Arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen items and possession of narcotics were Charles Bias, 38; John Chambers, 25, and Linda Reed, 41. The three lived in the house in the 13900 block of Frame Road, Lipscomb said.

3 Youths Arrested

Three juveniles also were arrested in connection with the stolen items. The youths, ages 15 to 17, were released into the custody of their parents.

Lipscomb said more suspects were being sought in connection with the thefts.

Among the 200 stolen items recovered in the home were shotguns, pistols, stereos, speakers, compact disc players, jewelry, sewing machines, typewriters, hunting knives, power tools, automobile engines, swords, fishing poles, spear guns, adding machines, bicycles, telephones, televisions and videotape players.

The arrests and recovery of the merchandise capped a monthlong investigation that was headed by Sgt. Karol Pakeshta of the sheriff’s station in Poway, Lipscomb said.

Lipscomb said the station has contacted some local burglary victims, who have identified their stolen items. They are seeking the assistance of other victims in identifying the rest of the articles.

He said some of the items may never have been reported stolen.