ST. PAUL - Two break-ins that happened years apart have been linked thanks to DNA collected from both scenes, and an arrest was recently made by RCMP in connection to the break-ins.
On May 19, 2016, St. Paul RCMP responded to a commercial alarm at a pawn store on main street in St. Paul. Officers found the front door of the business smashed and noted that many items were missing.
DNA was collected at the scene, but there was not match at the time.
Over six years later on June 27, 2022, St. Paul RCMP responded to a break and enter at a dollar store located in St. Paul. Officers found the front door of the business smashed and a safe was reported stolen from the office.
DNA was collected at the scene and after receiving judicial authorization, St. Paul RCMP obtained DNA from a suspect. The DNA matched both incidents, according to information released by police.
On Aug. 23, 2023, St. Paul RCMP arrested and charged a 44-year-old man from St. Paul with two counts of break and enter and theft over $5,000.
Lawrence Desjarlais was taken before a justice of the peace and was released on conditions, with his next court date being Sept. 21 in St. Paul.
“This investigation demonstrates that the RCMP takes property crime very seriously and will continue our investigations for however long it takes to make an arrest,” said Cpl. Stephen Cunningham with St. Paul RCMP.
