A 32-year-old Ketchikan man turned himself in to local law enforcement on Wednesday, allegedly admitting to two recent burglaries.
According to the complaint filed in court by Alaska State Trooper Chris Nelson, Cody James Peters had contacted the Ketchikan Police Department on Wednesday, and had agreed to be interviewed.
Nelson wrote that during an interview with troopers and city police, Peters admitted to a burglary at his former place of work; and to a burglary at a Forest Park home.
The home burglary happened between Nov. 23rd and Nov. 30th, according to the complaint. The homeowners noticed on Nov. 30th that their gun cabinet was unlocked, and that the lock had been forced. Two firearms – an AR15 rifle and a Glock handgun – had been taken.
According to the complaint, Peters says he entered the unlocked home during the day, after first knocking to make sure nobody was home. He told officers that he used a knife to pry open the gun cabinet. The complaint says Peters admitted to selling the Glock to his father, and trading the AR15 for drugs.
The burglary at Western Dock and Bridge happened at about 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 29th. According to the complaint, Peters told officers that he cut the lock to a conex, and took a spool gun welder worth about $2,500. He allegedly told police that he traded the welder for drugs.
Peters was charged with first- and second-degree burglary, three counts of second-degree theft, weapons misconduct and criminal mischief. He was scheduled for his first court appearance early Thursday afternoon.
According to the Alaska State Troopers online dispatch report, this investigation led to a search at a Marine View condo. Numerous power tools and hand tools were seized and many were confirmed as stolen.
There have been multiple reports of break-ins and attempted break-ins in Ketchikan recently, according to the Ketchikan Police Department. Suspects are targeting unlocked vehicles and homes. Vehicles sometimes contain garage door openers, which provide access. Suspects also have removed screens to check for unlocked windows.
Police recommend making sure vehicles, garages, doors and windows are locked; leaving an outside light on during the night; reporting any suspicious behavior; and reviewing footage from any security cameras.
