In the early morning hours of September 3rd, 2024, a deputy was conducting routine property checks of closed business' in the 600 Block of Elmira Road (SR13) in the Town of Ithaca, when they observed a suspicious male subject walk away from the rear area of a closed business.
Knowing that there have been recent larcenies and burglaries in and around the surrounding area, the deputy stopped to investigate and attempt to speak with this individual.
The male subject fled on foot from Elmira Road down Brewery Lane and then into a heavily wooded area to the north west. The subject entered a pond and swam away from pursuing units. After a lengthy ground search the male was taken into custody without incident in the 800 Block of Five Mile Drive (SR13A).
Upon further investigation it was determined that a burglary had in fact taken place in the 600 Block of Elmira Road and that the fleeing subject matched the suspect description.
The male, later identified as Michael J. Thomas, age 35, of Ithaca was transported by EMS to Cayuga Medical Center and then released to the custody of TCSO. Thomas was charged with Burglary 3rd degree, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th degree, and Possession of Burglar Tools. Thomas was found to be on parole for similar crimes. Thomas was arraigned in CAP and remanded with no bail.
Tompkins County Sheriff's Office was assisted on scene by NYS Park Police, New York State Police, Schuyler County Sheriff's Office, Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response, and Bangs Ambulance.
