Marine
01-31-2003, 11:26pm
A naked suspected burglar wasn't planning on making a fast getaway after police caught him rolling away from the scene in a wheelchair -- wearing only a top hat and cape.
Shane Michael Walton, 25, is suspected of breaking into and vandalizing two Kern County Museum buildings early Wednesday morning. Walton was arrested on suspicion of burglary and vandalism, Bakersfield police Detective Mary DeGeare said.
Officers were called to the scene around 2:45 a.m. after an alarm that detects sound went off at the museum. Officers investigated the area and saw Walton open a door to the museum's prop department, and begin rolling away in a wheelchair, DeGeare said. Walton was wearing part of a turn-of-the-century costume that was stored there.
Walton did did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, DeGeare said, and did not give any explanation for his behavior.
Walton is suspected of breaking a window to get into the prop building and destroying a picture, a sewing machine, a mirror, an interior glass door and busting holes in the walls, according to police.
After taking Walton into custody, police noticed the door of the curator's office had been kicked in.
DeGeare said Walton is suspected of kicking open a door of the curator's office and taking a hammer to whatever was in his path -- computer monitors, two printers, a keyboard, the alarm control panel, the walls, a cooler vent and several more pictures.
Jeff Nickell, the museum curator, said he was not sure of the extent of the damages, but expected it would be a few thousand dollars. Nickell said the damages would be repaired as soon as possible. The museum's insurance, provided through the Superintendent of Schools, will cover the damages.
The cape and hat were returned to the museum and Walton's only apparel -- his shoes -- were seized as evidence, DeGeare said.
Walton has been arrested on numerous other charges, most misdemeanors, dating back to 1997, according to court files.
Some of the charges he was convicted of were: possession of a short-barreled shotgun, driving under the influence of alcohol and animal cruelty.
http://www.bakersfield.com/local/story/2541188p-2593230c.html
Shane Michael Walton, 25, is suspected of breaking into and vandalizing two Kern County Museum buildings early Wednesday morning. Walton was arrested on suspicion of burglary and vandalism, Bakersfield police Detective Mary DeGeare said.
Officers were called to the scene around 2:45 a.m. after an alarm that detects sound went off at the museum. Officers investigated the area and saw Walton open a door to the museum's prop department, and begin rolling away in a wheelchair, DeGeare said. Walton was wearing part of a turn-of-the-century costume that was stored there.
Walton did did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, DeGeare said, and did not give any explanation for his behavior.
Walton is suspected of breaking a window to get into the prop building and destroying a picture, a sewing machine, a mirror, an interior glass door and busting holes in the walls, according to police.
After taking Walton into custody, police noticed the door of the curator's office had been kicked in.
DeGeare said Walton is suspected of kicking open a door of the curator's office and taking a hammer to whatever was in his path -- computer monitors, two printers, a keyboard, the alarm control panel, the walls, a cooler vent and several more pictures.
Jeff Nickell, the museum curator, said he was not sure of the extent of the damages, but expected it would be a few thousand dollars. Nickell said the damages would be repaired as soon as possible. The museum's insurance, provided through the Superintendent of Schools, will cover the damages.
The cape and hat were returned to the museum and Walton's only apparel -- his shoes -- were seized as evidence, DeGeare said.
Walton has been arrested on numerous other charges, most misdemeanors, dating back to 1997, according to court files.
Some of the charges he was convicted of were: possession of a short-barreled shotgun, driving under the influence of alcohol and animal cruelty.
http://www.bakersfield.com/local/story/2541188p-2593230c.html