Washington Man Walks Rail Trail, Burglarizes Home: Police

DOVER PLAINS, NY — A Washington state man was arrested for allegedly burglarizing a Town of North East home Tuesday.

State Police said John Darden, 24, of Seattle, WA, was charged with third-degree burglary, a felony.

Troopers were dispatched Tuesday afternoon to a possible burglary on Mill Road in North East after the property’s caretaker observed lights being turned on and off inside the home. A man could also be seen in the kitchen.

Darden was taken into custody after he left the residence.

Police said he had traveled to the area from New York City and found the home while walking on the rail trail.

Darden first entered the residence Monday and stayed there until he was discovered a day later, police said.

He was arraigned in the Town of Amenia Court and sent to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail or $50,000 bond

Darden is scheduled to appear in the Town of North East Court March 6.

Photo caption: John Darden. Photo credit: NYSP.