Burglary Bust: Laundry Machine Thief Apprehended in Missoula
Missoula, MT ( KGVO-AM News ) - At around 3:55 AM on November 13, 2024, a Missoula Police Department Officer was dispatched to a reported burglary in progress in the 800 block of SW Higgins Ave. The dispatch advised that it appeared one male and one female had broken into the tenant's laundry area of an apartment complex. The two were trying to gain access to the coin areas of the machines.
An officer responded to the scene and observed a male standing outside wearing a headlamp. Then the officer exited his patrol car and saw a female leaving the building. The officer identified himself and the male immediately ran away. The officer chased the male who eventually complied with commands and was identified as 27-year-old Alexander Rimkus.
Rimkus was detained in handcuffs and was searched incident to arrest. During the search, methamphetamine was located on Rimkus' person. The officer read Rimkus a Miranda warning to which he stated he understood. He said he was at the apartment complex painting a moped motorcycle with his girlfriend. Rimkus said his friend lived in the apartment complex and it was his motorcycle.
He Had Several Quarters on Him
Rimkus was sat in the back of a patrol vehicle. While bagging up the items on Rimkus' person, an officer observed multiple quarters that were removed from his pockets and multiple metal items that appeared to be lock picks. Rimkus had $71 in cash $8.25 in quarters among other loose change.
An officer inspected the laundry room and surrounding area. In the room, he observed multiple bags on the floor, scooter parts painted yellow on the counter, a helmet on the floor, and a clothes hamper with clothes in it. After looking closer at the washers and dryers, it was determined that the coin slot mechanisms to activate them were empty. One coin slot was broken and the coin tray was pulled out. Another coin slot had scuff marks on the paint like someone had tried to pry it open.
The marks appeared consistent with scrapes a screwdriver would leave in paint. During their investigation, officers located a Milwaukee screwdriver where Rimkus ran. Officers also found a "snort kit" nearby. There was another lock pick tool sitting with the "snort kit".
He Now Faces Five Charges
Rimkus was placed under arrest and was transported to the jail. He is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, attempted obstructing a peace officer or public servant, possession of burglary tools, accountability to theft, and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $10,000.
