Dowtown rooftop burglars caught

By Jon Johnson
Assistant Editor

These guitars were found hidden in the attic of a residence off Sixth Avenue. Police say all but one of the guitars were stolen from Richards Music Store. Photo by Jon Johnson

Two suspects have been apprehended and are behind bars for their alleged involvement with a rash of burglaries that took place in Safford this week.

Multiple Downtown businesses were hit, including A Step Back In Time; Carpet, Tile and More; Richards Music Store and others.

Jeremiah Maltby, 18, was arrested for burglary, possession of burglary tools, theft and conspiracy to commit theft after admitting to his role in the burglaries.

Kameron Bailey, 17, who previously admitted to burglarizing Valley Auto Wrecking and his role in the Graham Cemetery desecration, is being held on a probation violation pending charges relating to the Downtown burglaries, according to Safford Sgt. Jason Knight.

Most of the businesses were entered through ductwork in the buildings’ roofs and had cash stolen. The bandits entered Richards Music Store from the roof and stole approximately $10,000 in merchandise including 10 guitars and various electronics.

Police were given information from the owner of Richards Music Store that Bailey was involved with the break-in and where some of the stolen items could be found. The owner said he received the information from an anonymous tip.

According to the Safford Police Department, officers located Bailey driving his gray Hyundai sedan shortly before 10 p.m. on Thursday.

He allegedly attempted to elude officers by driving recklessly at a high rate of speed before pulling over.

During a search of the car, officers found a stolen camera from Richards Music Store as well as an I-Pod accessory that is only carried locally by that store. Police also discovered bolt cutters, gloves and a pry bar.

After interviewing the suspects, Safford officers searched a residence on Sixth Avenue and located several stolen items hidden in the attic. Some of the items recovered included 10 guitars, cameras, I-Pods and computer equipment.

Sgt. Knight said due to the suspects’ modus operandi (the way they burglarized the businesses) and statements from Maltby during interrogation, they have been implicated in multiple burglaries in Safford and other surrounding areas.

Officers are linking the suspects to a possible total of seven burglaries that have occurred within the past week.