Suspected Burglar Arrested, Connected To Multiple Thefts: Police

PORTLAND, OR — Detectives investigating two burglaries around Portland in July and November last week arrested the man they believe is responsible.

Adam Richard Myers, 24, was taken to the Multnomah County Detention Center on several charges, including burglary, theft, disorderly conduct, and possession of heroin. He is being held on $82,000 bail.

Portland police began investigating Myers' alleged burglaries on July 20 after two people living at the new apartments at 50 S.E. 13th Ave., in the Buckman area of East Portland, both reported packages had been stolen from their respective addresses. According to a probable cause affidavit written by Multnomah County District Attorney Ashly Crockett, Myers is seen following a resident into the secure building, which typically requires a key for entry, around 5 p.m.

Myers is then reportedly seen on surveillance cameras waiting in the lobby until all other residents had left the area before taking several packages and then riding the elevator to the building's fourth floor. Once on the fourth floor, Myers was reportedly recorded lifting the mats in front of several apartment doors in what Crockett believes is an effort to find potentially (poorly) hidden keys.

Following the thefts, one of the interviewed victims tell a Portland detective his stolen package had men's clothing.

Unable to identify Myers at that time, Portland police began calling him the "Jay from 'Clerks' Burglar."

On Nov. 6, a Portland Police Bureau officer spoke with a man who said his bike had been stolen from Sparkloft Media, 601 S.W. Oak St. Upon viewing surveillance video, the officer recognized Myers as the "Jay from 'Clerks' Burglar."

In the video, Myers allegedly entered the building holding what the officer believes was a screwdriver, then use an elevator to go to the basement where Sparkloft Media is located. Myers then allegedly took the elevator back up and left the building with the stolen bicycle.

On Nov. 14, officers on patrol in Old Chinatown, near Northwest Broadway and Northwest Flanders Street, reportedly saw Myers and again recognized him as the "Jay from 'Clerks' Burglar."

Myers was then taken into custody without incident, police said.

When interviewed by police, Myers reportedly admitted to the burglaries, telling the interviewing officer that he sold the bike for $25 and that he kept the clothes because he needed them.

Myers wept openly while explaining himself during the interview, Crockett said, and he told the officer he needed money lest he become "dope sick" — presumably from heroin withdrawal.

Detectives will continue to investigate whether Myers is connected to any additional burglaries, police said.

Anyone with information about Myers is asked to call Portland Detective Travis Fields at 503-823-4104, or email Travis.Fields@portlandoregon.gov.

Booking photo via Portland Police Bureau