Suspect Arrested in Vet Clinic Thefts

— A surveillance photo and a candy bar led to the arrest of a suspect in the burglary of three veterinary clinics and a Lincoln church.

Oscar Bartlett, 31, of 10498 State Line Road in Summers, was arrested Monday in connection with three counts of felony commercial burglary, attempted commercial burglary and two counts of misdemeanor theft of property.

A representative of Washington County Baptist Church, 18286 E. Hold Road in Lincoln, reported a burglary on May 14, 2010. A half-eaten candy bar left by the burglary was sent to the State Crime Lab for DNA testing, according to a Washington County arrest warrant. The test results matched Bartlett and a warrant for his arrest was issued.

Springdale police received reports of burglaries from two clinics and found evidence of another attempted burglary on Dec. 3 and 4. The incidents took place at Davis Animal Hospital at 1430 Carley Road, Springdale Animal Hospital at 2903 W. Huntsville Ave. and Dig My Dog at 107 E. Robinson Ave.

When police distributed photos of a suspect taken by a surveillance camera, several people recognized Bartlett, according to a preliminary arrest report. Police investigating Bartlett found a picture of him on Facebook, wearing an Old Navy jacket similar to the one in the surveillance photo, according to the report.

When Springdale police and Washington County deputies arrested Bartlett at his parents’ home, a bag, similar to one in the photo, was found. The bag contained a pry bar, a ski mask and gloves, according to the report.

Bartlett told officers he was trying to provide for his family, according to the report.

Bartlett was in the Washington County Detention Center on Tuesday in lieu of $2,500 bond.

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