Tracks in Snow Lead Officers to Dearborn Garage Burglary Suspect

DEARBORN, MI – A family dog scared off an intruder inside a garage and police were able to trace footprints in the snow to capture the man in the early morning hours of Feb. 11, Dearborn police said.

The suspect, Paul Ziolkowski, 43, was arraigned Feb. 12 in 19th District court on charge of Breaking & Entering – A Building with Intent, Breaking & Entering – Illegal Entry and Habitual Offender – Third Offense.

Bond was set at $5000,10 percent, and Ziolkowski’s probable cause conference is set for 9 a.m. on Feb. 26 in 19th District Court.

Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad said in a news release that Ziolkowski’s arrest may close several garage break-in cases in Dearborn’s West End.

After the dog scared Ziolkowski from the garage in the 24000 block of Boston, officers spread across the neighborhood looking for him, according to a statement.

He was detained a short time later at the corner of Carlysle and Westwood, and officers tracked footprints in the snow back to the Boston address, police said.

The tracks in the snow led police to other garages in the neighborhood, including the tracks from the wheels of snowblower reported stolen to police.

“Our citizens are the eyes and ears of the community,” Haddad said. “By remaining observant, the resident was able to give a detailed description of the suspect which led to his apprehension.”