Alleged Copper Thief Suspected of House Break-ins

A man was arrested Sunday night after police said he might be connected to a string of house break-ins.    

Anthony Hendricksen, 26, homeless, was charged for breaking and entering, a felony. 

Hendricksen is well known to Newport police. In June, he was arrested in connection with the theft of copper downspouts from at least 16  Newport homes. In August, he was arrested after he allegedly broke into cars. 

Police said they found Hendricksen rustling in the leaves on Cottage Street. He was nervous and “sweating profusely,” said police. An officer found a knife on the ground, but Hendricksen reportedly denied it belonged to him. As police were questing Hendricksen, a Liberty Street resident reported that an intruder was in her home and had left the area. Hendricksen allegedly told police he entered a home, used the bathroom and left once he realized it was not his friend’s house. 

According to Newport Lieutenant William Fitzgerald, around six break-ins or attempted break-ins have been recently reported in that area. 

On Friday night, a resident reported a house intruder on Weaver Street. The victim described a suspect that matched Hendricksen's description, including his tattoos.  

Hendricksen allegedly told police he is addicted to heroin, which costs $100 every two days.  

Police are currently investigating the incidents.