Alleged Saratoga Burglar Arrested in Milpitas

MILPITAS, CA — An Oregon man was arrested in Milpitas late Sunday night, according to police.

Police said an officer saw a gray Hyundai Elantra parked suspiciously in front of a closed business in the 1000 block of Pecten Court around 10:40 p.m.

Officers investigated the vehicle and were able to apprehend the occupant, 34-year-old Marc Merrill of Eugene, Oregon, without incident. According to police, Merrill was allegedly in possession of methamphetamine, heroin, a digital scale, other drug paraphernalia and burglary tools.

A search of the vehicle, which officers said was stolen, yielded forged checks, various electronic equipment, and power tools that had also been reported stolen from San Jose and Saratoga.

Police said Merrill also matched surveillance photos of an unidentified suspect responsible for a commercial burglary that occurred at a business in Saratoga on Aug. 8.

Merrill was arrested and booked into Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of auto theft, burglary, forgery, possession of stolen property, possession of burglary tools and possession of a controlled substance.

— Bay City News; Image via Milpitas Police