PORT HUENEME : House Burglary Suspect Sought

Police in Port Hueneme are searching for a burglar who talked his way out of being arrested when he was caught by a patrolman after allegedly breaking into a house and stealing money.

A reward of up to $1,000 has been posted for information leading to the identification of a man who convinced a police officer that he lived in the home that he is suspected of burglarizing.

Port Hueneme Police Sgt. John Ema said he was patrolling the 400 block of Village Road at 2 a.m. Wednesday when he stopped to investigate an open garage door. The officer said he went to the front of the house, where he saw a man in the kitchen. The man told Ema that his wife also was inside the house, and that they were preparing to move out of the house the next day.

“The guy was well-dressed, well-groomed and fit the area. He came up with all the right answers,” Sgt. Dennis Fitzgerald said.

After assurances that there were no problems, Ema continued on his patrol. But within an hour he returned to check the house, discovering the garage door still open, but no lights on. After attempting to contact the owners, officers entered and notified the sleeping residents that they had been burglarized.

According to police, the burglar stole cash from the purse of one of the occupants. The burglar was described as a 5-foot-9 white male, about 35 years old and 165 pounds with short, black wavy hair. He was last seen in a green shirt and green pants.

Police said anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers at 986-8255.