Bradenton police say a DNA hit has cracked a months-old school break-in, tying a local man already behind bars to a November burglary at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School.
On March 12, 2026, investigators announced that 43-year-old Joshua Wilbar has been charged with burglary after DNA recovered from items at the scene matched his profile. Police say campus surveillance video from Nov. 2 shows a man matching Wilbar’s description, and that he is currently in custody on unrelated burglary charges.
DNA Match Connects Suspect To Campus Break-In
According to the Bradenton Police Department, forensic testing on items recovered from the school’s concession stand and maintenance shed produced a DNA profile that matched Wilbar. Detectives say that match is what prompted the burglary charge. The department’s post also shared a brief clip and still images showing a man on the St. Stephen’s campus on Nov. 2.
Bike-Riding Figure In Surveillance Images
Soon after the Nov. 2 incident, police released surveillance images of a man riding a bicycle on the school grounds and asked the public to help identify him, as reported by WWSB. That coverage noted the break-ins targeted the concession stand and maintenance shed and included an appeal for tips from anyone who recognized the person in the photos.
Suspect Already Locked Up On Separate Case
Public booking records show a Joshua Wilbar was booked into the Manatee County jail on Jan. 22, and police say investigators were able to run the DNA profile while he remained in custody on unrelated burglary charges. The January booking appears on arrest logs compiled by arrests.org.
Detectives Still Want Tips From The Public
Anyone with information about the Nov. 2 break-in is asked to contact Detective Brian Gates at [email protected] or 941-932-9325, per local coverage. Tips can also be submitted to CrimeStoppers of Manatee County, the station noted.
Burglary Case Moves To The Courts
Wilbar faces burglary charges in Manatee County, according to the Bradenton Police Department. Arraignment or court dates were not immediately available in public records. Authorities say the investigation remains active and are urging anyone with additional information to contact detectives and help round out the case.
