Jewelry, Coins Recovered After Arrest In Montgomery County Burglary Case

POTOMAC, MD — Montgomery County Police are calling for the public's help to determine the scope of a series of home burglaries recently linked to a 29-year-old Riverdale man arrested in the Potomac area.

Anderson Javier Santacruz Gallegos, of Riverdale, was arrested Sept. 23 after officers witnessed him breaking into a home on Enid Drive.

Santacruz Gallegos was hit with residential burglary charges and remains held without bond.

The incident, however, was tied to home thefts that date back to July. Four cases highlighted by Montgomery County Police occurred in the Silver Spring area:

• July 29: Holdridge Road
• Aug. 25: Xaveria Drive
• Sept. 21: Gadsden Avenue
• Sept. 21: Cliftonbrook Lane

Additional thefts were also flagged in Howard County.

The police department said in a Wednesday release that investigators determined Santacruz Gallegos would knock on the front door of a targeted home and, when he received no response, would force entry from the back of the home.

During the Sept. 23 break-in, a 92-year-old resident was asleep inside the home, police said. No injuries were reported.

Missing Jewelry + Coins

Following Santacruz Gallegos' arrest, Montgomery County Police executed a search warrant at his Riverdale residence, which led to the discovery of a mix of items police say were stolen.

Officials are asking residents to contact authorities if they recognize any of their missing jewelry in photos published by the department.

See images released by police here.

Some items have already been returned to their owners.

Residents who recognize any items can contact investigators at (240) 773-5530 or by visiting the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County website and submitting a tip through a portal. Calls can also be made at 1(866) 411-8477.