The Chandler Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with a string of burglaries. Christopher Jon Ash, 32, was showcased by the Department in a January 21, 2014 press release as the suspect in three vending machine burglaries. Mr. Ash, a Mesa resident, was identified in the earlier release through photographs and surveillance video.
In the early morning hours of January 26, 2014 a tenant of the Villamora apartments, located at 2150 S. Arizona Ave., found Mr. Ash inside the clubhouse. While inside, Mr. Ash allegedly forced entry into a Coca-Cola vending machine in order to remove its currency and coin. Mr. Ash fled the scene before police arrived but was soon contacted inside a vehicle at Arizona Ave. and Ray Rd. He was arrested along with his girlfriend, Erin Brandley, at this location.
Mr. Ash has been charged with three additional burglaries in Chandler dating back to August of 2013 and two early January 2014 incidents. In all four burglaries, Mr. Ash used the same modus operandi to commit his crimes. During the course of their investigation, detectives uncovered evidence inside the suspects’ residence.
Mr. Ash was booked into the Maricopa County Jail on six counts of 3rd Degree Burglary, four counts of Possession of Burglary Tools, and one count of Theft-Control of Stolen Property. Charges are pending against Ms. Brandley.
The investigation is ongoing.
For more information, please contact Detective Seth Tyler.
