Update as of July 12, 2022: Police have announced that Thomas was additionally charged with more burglary charges that have occurred over the last several nights. He was apprehended while stealing items out of a boat in the parking lot of the Bed, Bath and Beyond in Ithaca.
Thomas has been charged with a long string of burglaries detailed below (at least in part, there could be more). He is now facing five felonies for third-degree burglary and two additional misdemeanors, with more charges expected to be filed. He has now been remanded to Tompkins County Jail without bail.
Two IPD officers were injured during the pursuit of Thomas early Tuesday morning, one of whom required medical attention.
Update as of July 9, 2022: Michael Thomas was also charged with break-ins at Diane’s Downtown Automotive and Hickey’s Music Store, according to police.
Update as of July 7, 2022: The Ithaca Police Department has arrested 33-year-old Michael Thomas of Ithaca for his involvement in burglaries that occurred throughout the City of Ithaca between June 20 and 29.
Thomas was charged with four counts of burglary in the third degree, though additional charges for burglary are expected.
Thomas was arraigned before Judge Seth Peacock and released on his own recognizance.
The original story continues below.
ITHACA, N.Y.—The Ithaca Police Department responded to a commercial burglary at 9:33 p.m. June 28 at the K&H Redemption Center at 900 West State Street.
According to a press release, Sgt. Thomas Condzella said that upon arrival the suspect was no longer on the scene, however there were signs of forced entry to the building. Inside the building, officers found a cash register that was forced open with an undisclosed amount of money missing.
The complainant reported witnessing an unidentified male wearing a mask fleeing from the closed building.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone who may have witnessed any part of the incident or anyone who has any information is encouraged to contact IPD. Anonymous tips are also welcomed. People who want to contact the department can call (607)330-0000 or cityofithaca.org/ipdtips.