UPDATE FRIDAY: Two more arrests have been made in connection with a string of burglaries in Carson City, Washoe and Douglas counties. Thus far four have been arrested. Go here for the latest on the arrests and two others being sought by authorities.
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UPDATE 9:30PM: The suspects arrested on suspicion of felony burglary are Travis Lieberwith, 37, and Brian Madson, 34, said Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong in a news release. Madson's photo was not available.
UPDATE 9:18PM: Two are in custody Thursday and more arrests are expected in what is seen as a break in a rash of dozens of burglaries that extends over three counties. Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong provided a briefing as to a law enforcement operation involving more than 30 officers from three jurisdictions.
"We believe we have broken the backbone of these home burglaries," said Furlong. "More arrests, however, are anticipated."
The operation was continuing late Thursday night with several more suspects sought, said Furlong. "We are still wrapping our arms around how many are involved." The operation began after a burglary in Washoe City earlier Thursday, Furlong said. The suspects were trailed, which resulted in two arrests thus far. At one time, there were four operations going simultaneously, said Furlong with two traffic stops, and warrants issued at two residences. Agencies involved include Washoe, Carson, and Douglas County sheriff's offices.
The law enforcement operation involved at least two homes, and two vehicle stops. Corbett Street was blocked as one of the suspects was believed to be holed up inside. Residents inside two apartment buildings were evacuated. The Carson City SWAT team was deployed because the suspect that occupied the home is considered armed and dangerous. Many of the weapons stolen in the burglaries have been handguns and it was believed the suspect had several guns inside the apartment.
Dozens of home burglaries have taken place around Carson City since late summer and early fall. The burglaries are believed to be connected because the burglars used pillowcases from the homes to collect the stolen items, and struck during daytime hours, said Furlong. Inside the Carson City Sheriff's Office, the suspects have been known as the "Pillowcase Bandits." The Corbett apartment that was raided by the SWAT team, which secured a warrant and used tear gas. The suspect was not located and the apartment was secured.
Furlong credits the 30-plus officers from the three jurisdictions with the two arrests plus calling it a multi-jurisdictional task force with "enormous support from the top" by Douglas County Sheriff Ron Pierini and Washoe County Sheriff Chuck Allen. "The threat was very high and they pledge their support." Other agencies involved included the U.S. Marshals Office, and the Nevada Highway Patrol.
See the video of the briefing below.
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