Columbia man arrested in connection with mutliple burglaries

Columbia police arrested Joshua Lakeith Gray, 34, on charges of first- and second-degree burglary around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Officers first responded to the 1500 block of Walnut Street for a report of a burglary. After investigation the incident, officers found that Gray went into the residence, claiming he was there to change the smoke detectors. Officers said while Gray was inside, he and a female suspect stole several credit cards that belonged to the woman living there.

Purchases were made from the stolen credit cards on the same night Gray stole them.

Then on Monday, the investigating officers of the previous burglary incident were told of another burglary that was reported on March 17.

According to the report, a PlayStation, two controllers and a video game were stolen from the 1400 block of Ross Street. The victim told police that he found the exact items stolen from his residence listed for sale on Craigslist.

Officers found Gray’s vehicle in the block of 1800 McKee Street Monday. The address was listed as Gray’s mother’s residence.

Officers arrested Gray inside the home. One officer recognized that a couch in the residence matched the same couch that was shown in the Craigslist ad for the stolen PlayStation.

Police served a search warrant at the residence where Gray was arrested on Tuesday. Police found clothing that matched what Gray was wearing during the burglary at the 1500 block of Walnut Street.

Police also found a cell phone that was listed as the number used for the Craigslist ad.

According to the probable cause statements, Gray later admitted to police that he was involved in both burglaries.

As of right now, the woman involved in the first burglary has not been arrested.