Austin police arrested 51-year-old Michael J. Suniga in connection with eight daytime residential burglaries in South Austin.
The cases are concentrated in neighborhoods near the Williamson Creek Greenbelt, not spread as unrelated calls across the city. FOX 7 Austin, citing the Austin Police Department, reported that burglary unit detectives linked Suniga to the eight separate break-ins and that officers took him into custody on November 5.
Daytime Entries by the Greenbelt
Police say Suniga targeted those South Austin neighborhoods during daytime hours. The burglaries spanned September 3 to November 5, when Suniga was arrested.
Investigators say one entry came while a 17-year-old girl was alone inside the home. The department has urged nearby residents to report a suspected burglary or a house they find ransacked.
The November 5 Arrest and Search
Frank Sector patrol officers and the South Metro Tactical Unit participated in the November 5 arrest. After Suniga was in custody, police executed a search warrant at his home.
Austin police said that operation recovered stolen jewelry, coins, personal documents such as passports, firearms, and ammunition. Officers also recovered items that had not yet been reported stolen.
Property Returns and Further Charges
Police say recovered property will be returned to rightful owners after verification and official identification. That step is doing practical work here, because some of what officers found had never been listed in a theft report.
Austin police expect additional charges as the investigation continues. South Austin residents can report a suspected burglary by calling 311 or submitting information at ireportaustin.com.
