A 24-year-old Centralia man has been charged with burglary in Marion County Court after a failed attempt to steal a dog.
Centralia Police Administrative Sergeant Steve Whritenour says Jace Zimmerman of South Cherry was caught allegedly leaving a home in the 500 block of South Pine with a dog and its cage Police had been called to the home after the owner had been alerted to movement inside his home by his security system. The alleged victim then saw a man inside the home on his phone ap.
Upon questioning, Zimmerman allegedly told police he had gone to the home at the request of his girlfriend, who allegedly had a past relationship with the homeowner to steal his dog.
Police say Zimmerman gained entry by forcing open the back door. Nothing else in the home had been disturbed.
Bond for Zimmerman was set at $7,500 on his first appearance in Marion County Court on Friday. He later posted bond and was released. As part of the bond released, he was ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim and abstain from drugs and alcohol with random testing. A preliminary hearing is set for September 7th.
