Police in Tagbilaran have arrested a suspect linked to a string of car break-ins that plagued the city and nearby Bohol towns, authorities said Saturday.
The suspect, identified as Patrick Calvin Cruz, 30, from Bustis, Bulacan, was apprehended at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila following a hot pursuit operation, according to Lt. Col. John Kareen Escober of the Tagbilaran police.
Cruz, who allegedly used multiple aliases based on identification cards found in his possession, is believed to be behind at least four “Basag Kotse” incidents in Tagbilaran City involving the smashing of car windows.
Escober said the suspect acted alone but authorities have not ruled out the possibility that he may be part of a larger syndicate.
The arrest came after the owner of a rented motorcycle, used by Cruz during the crimes, collaborated with police following a social media post by Mayor Jane Yap featuring a photo of the vehicle.
Police said Cruz attempted to flee by boarding the last flight out of Tagbilaran on Tuesday night but was intercepted at NAIA through coordination with the Aviation Security Group.
Items recovered from the suspect included various gadgets, a coin purse, jewelry, cash, and other valuables, Escober said.
Cruz was brought back to Tagbilaran from Manila and presented to the media on Wednesday afternoon.
He faces multiple counts of robbery charges, police said.