Cortland Police Apprehend Cartwheeling Burglary Suspect

Police say a man suspected of burglarizing a Cortland home started doing cartwheels as officers approached in an effort to "appear less guilty."

24-year-old Alexander Hale of Cortland was arrested in connection with a break-in at a home on Union Street Thursday afternoon.

According to police, the homeowner returned to the residence and found a man he knew inside. The intruder ran off.

Police found Hale a short distance away. As officers closed in on him, he began performing cartwheels. After he was taken into custody, he told police he thought that doing cartwheels might make him appear less guilty.

Hale has been charged with second-degree burglary and petit larceny.

The resident reported knives, antique coins and military pins were missing from the home. Police did not say whether the missing items have been recovered.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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