Fort Erie break-in suspect denied bail again
A man arrested three times in just more than three weeks was denied bail Monday for the second time in three days.
John Chrysler was nabbed by police Friday, shortly after a suspect was spotted running from a Fort Erie home carrying items he’d apparently picked up inside.
Chrysler had been arrested twice before in connection with robberies at north end homes in Fort Erie, and each time was released on bail.
After his latest arrest, he appeared for a bail hearing Saturday but this time was kept in custody and ordered to return to court Monday in St. Catharines.
At that hearing, he was again denied bail. He remains behind bars and will appear again Wednesday in court in St. Catharines.
Fort Erie — especially in the older north end — has been on edge following a string of breakins over the past several months.
Chrysler was first arrested Oct. 29 and charged with two counts of break and enter, and one count each of theft over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
He was arrested again Nov. 15 and charged with theft under $5,000, fraudulent use of a credit card and failure to comply with a recognizance order.
Police say his latest brush with the law occurred Friday in the Gilmore Road and Mary Street area.
Chrysler, 36, was charged with break, enter and theft with intent to commit an indictable offence plus two counts of break, enter and commit to a dwelling house.
On a Facebook page set up by Fort Erie residents tracking the break-ins, a woman who identified herself as the victim said she entered her house to find a stranger in her bedroom. He rushed from the house, and police say a passerby chased the suspect, causing him to drop what he was carrying.
Police had increased patrols in the area and were able to arrest a suspect shortly after.
Police said multiple unrelated persons are likely responsible for recent crimes.
Police also advised residents on ways to stay safe, including: keeping doors, windows and cars locked; avoid posting details on social media about times when you’re not home; and don’t enter your home if you believe it’s not safe, but instead alert police.