Man charged with residential burglary

Published 12:07 am Friday, July 17, 2015

NATCHEZ — The Natchez Police Department caught Michael A. Wheeler, 23, allegedly trying to sell a stolen laptop Wednesday.

Wheeler, 175 Shady Acres Road, Ferriday, had reportedly stolen several other items from a Natchez residence between July 11 and Wednesday.

“We believe he went to the victim’s home and took an air conditioning unit out of the window, and then stole a television, laptop and an Xbox from the house,” NPD Detective Jerry Ford said. “He came in through the victim’s bedroom window.”

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When the victims came home from vacation Wednesday, Ford said they immediately began tracking down the stolen items.

First, Ford said the victims were able locate the Xbox by calling a local business that often buys and sells used game systems.

“By identifying their serial number, the victims found out that Wheeler had brought the Xbox to the business” Ford said. “That’s how they got his (Wheeler’s) name.”

Then, the victims called another local business that buys used laptops.

When they arrived at the business, the victims found Wheeler trying to sell their laptop.

The NPD was notified immediately, and Wheeler was arrested on the spot.

“Right now, we’re unsure if the victims knew Wheeler,” Ford said. “But we’re thinking there might have been some kind of relationship there.”

Wheeler is currently being held at the Natchez City Jail under a charge of burglary of an inhabited dwelling. No bond has been set.

Ford said all stolen items have since been recovered.