Police arrest suspects in Forest Avenue, Evelyn Street burglaries

Online Staff Report

Rockford police have arrested two suspects regarding two separate burglaries.

Clinton E. Smith, 20, of Rockford, has been charged with residential burglary, burglary (detached garage) and criminal damage to property in relation to a May 1 burglary at 415 Forest Ave.

Officers were called to the location May 1 in reference to a burglary in progress. Responding officers were advised by witnesses that two subjects had broken into an apartment as well as the garage at the dwelling.

Rockford police detectives in the area located and took one of the suspects into custody. Detectives conducted follow-up to the incident, recovering the stolen property. As a result, Smith was charged with the burglary.

Police are asking anyone with information about Smith’s involvement in any other criminal activity to contact Detective Sgt. Barry Cunningham at (815) 987-5833 or Crime Stoppers at (815) 963-7867.

Robert Barr, 60, of Rockford, has been charged with residential burglary, burglary to a motor vehicle, possession of burglary tools and theft from person in relation to a May 1 burglary at 1304 Evelyn St.

Shortly before 1 p.m., May 1, police patrol officers responded to 1304 Evelyn St. in regards to a residential burglary. Officers were advised by residents of a multifamily dwelling that one of the residents was approached by a subject (later alleged to be Barr) who took keys to one of the apartments from the resident, then unlawfully entered the apartment.

Barr was approached by a resident while attempting to take a television from the residence. He fled the area and was taken into custody by officers.

Upon being taken into custody, it was determined Barr was in possession of a power tool that was taken from within a motor vehicle in the neighboring area.

Posted May 2, 2012