An 18-year-old Dayton man was arrested following an investigation into a series of vehicle break-ins in Liberty Township that resulted in more than $15,000 in stolen property and vehicle damage. Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones said Detective Tabbert began investigating the thefts on May 13 after several vehicles were targeted at multiple locations in Liberty Township. In one incident, investigators said a suspect used a brick to smash a vehicle windshield to gain access to the vehicle. Authorities said stolen items included personal property and credit cards. Using security camera footage from nearby homes, detectives identified one of the suspects as Kristian Cochran of Dayton. Investigators said Cochran was later tracked down with the help of data from a court-ordered ankle monitor he was wearing at the time of the crimes. Cochran has been charged with two felony counts of theft, two misdemeanor theft counts, two counts of receiving stolen property, and one count of criminal damaging. Investigators believe at least two additional suspects were involved, and the investigation remains ongoing. “These criminals thought they could come into Butler County, victimize our citizens, damage property, and get away with it. They were wrong,” Sheriff Jones said in a statement. “If you come to Butler County and commit these crimes, you will find yourself lodged at 705 Hanover Street — the Butler County Jail.”

(Editor's Note: AI-Assisted Copy)
(Photo Credit: Butler County Sheriffs Office)