Teen transient linked to 14 burglaries

REDLANDS — A teenage transient, suspected in more than a dozen burglaries since early January, was arrested and charged this week.

Dylan Michael Meier, 18, who is identified as a local transient, was arrested. During the investigation of two residential burglaries, Redlands police forensics specialists recovered evidence that identified Meier as a suspect.

“That could have ended a rash of those burglaries,” Redlands police Sgt. Ken Wright of the arrest. Wright credited Det. Kelvin Bryant, among others involved with the Multiple Enforcement Team, for likely solving the mystery.

Shortly before 6 p.m. last Saturday, members of the department’s enforcement team located Meier at a bus stop at Redlands Boulevard and Orange Street, took him into custody and discovered stolen property from a previous residential burglary that was in his possession.

He was charged with burglary and possession of stolen property.

Redlands police, continuing the investigation, eventually linked Meier to 14 residential burglaries between Jan. 6 and Feb. 12. Part of the continuing investigation involves contacting other burglary victims in hopes of recovering additional stolen property.

Reports say Meier stole small items, including jewelry and collectible coins, which he sold at pawn shops, coin and collectible dealers. Some property has been recovered and returned to victims.

“He used the money to pay for his heroin habit,” said police spokesman Carl Baker.

The investigation is continuing. Meier is being held at Central Detention Center in San Bernardino in lieu of $75,000 bail.