BANGOR, Maine — The man responsible for numerous burglaries in downtown Bangor has been arrested in Florida, according to police.
Jonathan Matute, 18, of Bangor was taken into custody on Wednesday evening in Broward County, Fla., Bangor police Sgt. Paul Edwards said in a statement.
Matute had been identified as a person of interest in the burglaries last week, according to Edwards.
On Wednesday, Broward County Deputy Detective Michael Baldwin informed Bangor police Detective David Bushey that Matute had been arrested in Florida after a Sears store contacted police about a theft of tools, the sergeant said.
When officers arrived at the store, Matute assaulted a security officer before being taken into custody, Edwards said.
A four-door Buick Century reported stolen from the University of Maine on July 26 also was recovered, Edwards said.
Matute is facing charges of battery and grand theft auto in Florida, along with one count of burglary in Maine, although Edwards said more charges are expected. Matute is expected to be extradited to Maine soon.
Edwards said that tips from the public were “extremely helpful” in the apprehension of Matute.
The downtown burglaries were reported on July 21 at the Coe Building on Main Street and on July 23 at a Harlow Street office building, with cash, cameras, computer equipment and other electronics among the items stolen.
Matute’s criminal history includes a disorderly conduct conviction in February, and a $300 fine for assault in June.
He ran, he hid and they still got their man. Good job people!
I think the University of Maine should give the car to the Broward County Sheriff’s Department.
They should but not, it does not belong to them.
I sure hope he enjoys the Florida DOC until Bangor PD has a chance to pick him up, they will LOVE him in there
Too bad he didn’t do that in Texas, he’d still be in jail 25 years from now.
They didn’t mention the fact that he stole his haircut from the Oak Ridge Boys…….
Assault and theft in Florida – hopefully he stays there. After a few days in a Broward County jail he will be crying to get back to Maine.
He’s got to get a little better understanding of the layaway policy.
Dude looks like a 70s teen idol.
Let him serve his time in Florida on the chain gang before Maine brings him back. Good place for him.
“grand theft auto in Florida” = unauthorized use of a vehicle here in Maine
Maybe his stay in Florida will educate him.
What’s up with the Russian Winter Bonnet on his head?
sad. looks like he went on a crack diet… gotta feed it somehow.