Murrieta Man With 'Lengthy Criminal History' Nabbed After Car Burglary: Police

MURRIETA, CA – A Murrieta man with what police described as a "lengthy criminal history" was back behind bars, albeit briefly, following a reported theft in town this week.

According to Murrieta Police Lt. Tony Conrad, 31-year-old Bryan Mendez was spotted walking in the area of Silkwood Court and Spinning Wheel Drive around 2:48 a.m. Wednesday-- about twenty minutes after police received a report from a woman that her car had been broken into just down the street.

"A records check of Mr. Mendez revealed a lengthy criminal history dating back 20 years with convictions for burglary, narcotics, and possession of stolen property," Conrad said in a news release. "Mr. Mendez was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and property taken during the burglary on Underwood Circle."

The man was arrested and taken to the Southwest Detention Center on charges of possession of narcotics and the possession of stolen property. Jail records indicate he was released the same day after posting $3,500 bail.

(Image: Murrieta Police Department)