Photo: Michael Kemper
WALNUT CREEK – A man suspected of committing four residential burglaries and stealing two vehicles was apprehended when he attempted to steal a third vehicle—all on the same morning last Saturday.
In the early hours of March 3, police received multiple calls about a man entering residences at the Rossmoor retirement community; he was reportedly stealing keys to vehicles and on two occasions also stealing the vehicles.
It seems some residents of the gated community leave spare keys hidden outside their homes that are easily found, and a burglar suspected of being high on illicit drugs used those keys to enter at least three homes.
Walnut Creek police notified nearby law enforcement agencies when the suspect fled from the area. A Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office sergeant soon located one of the stolen vehicles. A brief pursuit ensued, which ended when he hit a curb and crashed on Livorna Road.
The suspect, 34-year-old Michael Kemper, allegedly ran away from stolen car and into a nearby house, where he allegedly attempted to steal another vehicle parked inside the garage.
Kemper was arrested without further incident by Walnut Creek Police and a Sheriff’s Office sergeant.
He received medical treatment for minor injuries to his face caused by the car crash, before he was transported to the Detention Facility where he was booked, police said.
Kemper is charged with burglary, vehicle theft, receiving stolen property, being under the influence of a controlled substance, and probation violation.
