Stamford Police Arrest Man for Alleged 'Burglary Spree' at Rippowam

Stamford Police announced Thursday evening that a 47-year-old man has been arrested in connection to what they labeled a "burglary spree" at the city's Rippowam Middle School compex that accounted for more than $41,000 in losses. 

According to Lt. Diedrich Hohn in a release late Thursday, a suspect identified as Peter Guerrlich, of 102 High Clear Drive, is responsible for seven burglaries and four attempted burglaries between December 24, 2012 and March 20, 2013. He said the total loss of property came to roughly $41,250.

Sgt. Peter DiSpagna of Crimes Against Property was credited with reviewing multiple hours of surveillance tapes from the AITE High School complex adjacent to the middle school and developed a lead when he spotted a white male "walking a small dog with a distinctive white tail," in the vicinity during most of the burglaries.

Sgt. Chip White of the Patrol Division was off-duty on March 22 when he spotted Guerrlich walking a dog with a distinct white tale and engaged him in conversation. After ascertaining his identity, White notified DiSpagna of the development, and surveillance of Guerrlich's home was started.

Officers from the Property Crimes Division executed a search warrant on that home April 2 and discovered approximately $9,600 worth of stolen merchandise taken from the school during the burglaries, Hohn said.

Guerrlich was charged with seven counts of third-degree burglary, four counts of criminal attempt at third-degree burglary and first-degree larceny. His bond was set at $100,000 by the court system.