Suspect Arrested in Connection with Overnight Burglaries in Mendocino, Lake Counties
An individual has been arrested in connection with multiple commercial burglaries amid a joint investigation by both Mendocino and Lake County authorities.
The investigation began with the burglary of the Chevron gas station along Highway 1 in Gualala, during the overnight hours of November 30, 2023. Deputies were called to the scene just before 6 that morning and soon determined that the suspect had used a battery-powered saw to cut his way in through an exterior wall, then used battery-operated power tools to cut open the gas station’s safe and steal the cash inside.
Investigators gathered several pieces of evidence at the scene, including video surveillance footage of the suspect. After sharing information about this burglary with other agencies, Mendocino County authorities learned the M.O. was very similar to other commercial burglaries that had occurred in neighboring Lake County.
With cause to believe they were looking for the same suspect in each case, investigators from both counties began a collaborative investigation. Investigators obtained search warrants to track the suspect’s phone, and concluded that the suspect had likely been surveilling each business the night before the burglary was carried out, which would always be between midnight and 4 AM.
On February 9 of this year, deputies responded to a report of yet another burglary at Hopland Farms Gas and Mart along Highway 101, in which the suspect had used a rope ladder to gain entry to the business. In this case, as with the others, the suspect then used a battery-powered saw to cut open a safe and take the cash inside.
Surveillance video from the scene showed the suspect wearing a similar hat, mask, and clothing as the others, and revealed that the suspect had entered the business between midnight and 3 AM.
Early on the morning of February 23, Mendocino and Lake County deputies learned that the suspect, identified as Tyrone Brennen, 38, had been arrested. Investigators had reportedly been surveilling Brennen’s movements during the night and had taken him into custody as he appeared to be preparing for another burglary.
In Brennen’s vehicle, deputies reportedly found burglary tools, collapsible ladders, and clothing matching the other burglary cases.
According to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, there are “numerous” other burglaries that are being investigated for possible ties to Brennen. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
