Burglary suspect found allegedly hiding in closet
A local man arrested in February for allegedly committing multiple break-ins was arrested again early Tuesday after Hot Springs police officers found him hiding in a closet after responding to a burglary in progress.
Corey Allen Dalton, 32, who lists a Higdon Ferry Road address, was taken into custody just before 8 a.m. and charged with a felony count of residential burglary, punishable by up to 20 years in prison, and misdemeanor counts of first-degree criminal mischief, punishable by up to one year in jail, and criminal trespassing.
Dalton remained in custody Wednesday in lieu of bonds totaling $50,000 and is set to appear May 30 in Garland County District Court.
According to the affidavit, Officer Mark Wilson responded to a burglary in progress at a residence on
Sixth Street and spoke to the complainant, who said that he arrived at the residence at around 7:30 a.m. to continue cleaning out the previous tenants’ items. He began hearing noises coming from the basement, and then footsteps coming up the basement stairs. He immediately exited the residence, and waited for an officer to arrive.
He told Wilson the basement door had a piece of plywood nailed over it. Upon investigating the scene, Wilson noted the plywood had been pried off and the door to the basement was open. Wilson and Sgt. Kenny Kizer entered the basement to clear the scene when they heard movement coming from upstairs.
They walked up the basement stairs, announcing their presence without any response. After clearing the main floor, with the assistance of Lt. Shaun Roach, they announced themselves again, and then headed upstairs. As officers were clearing the upstairs, Wilson reportedly located Dalton hiding inside a closet in one of the bedrooms.
Dalton was previously arrested Feb. 27 for felony breaking or entering after allegedly breaking into a utility trailer and two boats at a local business, and had five other warrants for breaking or entering and theft of property from prior alleged incidents.