Crime & Courts

Man arrested in Kodiak burglaries that included underwear thefts

One week after Alaska State Troopers advised residents of Kodiak to lock their doors because of a series of home invasions and thefts -- including belongings rifled through and women's underwear being stolen -- officials reported Monday they arrested a man they believe to be behind the crimes.

Troopers said in an online dispatch that 18-year-old Ryan Cornelio of Kodiak had been arrested on three counts of first-degree burglary in relation to the home invasions. Authorities believe Cornelio burglarized seven homes over three months and attempted to enter three more residences in that time. Additional charges against Cornelio are likely to follow, troopers said.

Troopers issued the safety advisory on Wednesday for the community of Kodiak, located on the island of the same name in the Gulf of Alaska, saying that local law enforcement had become aware of a series of thefts from residents' homes.

"AST believes the reports are related as local citizens are returning home to find their residences have been entered," troopers wrote at the time. "Various items such as women's underwear have been stolen and or rifled through."

Residents were advised to lock their doors and "to be vigilant of their surroundings."

Cornelio was arrested shortly after 11 a.m. Monday when troopers received a report of a home invasion in progress. State troopers and Alaska Wildlife Troopers responded, and the suspect fled.

"While investigating the crime scene, AST was able to learn the identity of a possible suspect and suspect vehicle," troopers said, leading them to Cornelio, who was subsequently charged.

Ben Anderson

Ben Anderson is a former writer and editor for Alaska Dispatch News. He left the ADN in 2017.

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