Updated at 6:20 p.m. Jan. 21

BROOKINGS – A 25-year-old Brookings man was arrested Tuesday in connection with two residential burglaries and a trespassing reported Monday, according to Brookings Police. 

“The subject was arrested for one count of second-degree burglary, one count of third-degree burglary, and one count of trespassing. He was transported to the Brookings County Detention Center and turned over to their custody,” Assistant Chief Derrick Powers said.

A probable cause statement by the arresting officer identifies the suspect as Cortez Steinmetz. As of Tuesday afternoon, he was being held at the detention center on $5,000 cash-only bond.

One incident was reported at 8:30 a.m. Monday in the 2400 block of Ninth Street, Powers said. 

“(The report was) by a resident who reported that they had found someone in their residence,” Powers said. 

“After being found in the apartment, the male exited, contending he entered the wrong apartment,” Powers added.

By the time the resident called police, the man had left the residence on foot.

“He was described as a 6-foot-tall male who had lip piercings and nose piercings,” Powers said.

He was wearing a light blue multi-colored sweatshirt, he added.

All of the incidents were in the same vicinity, Powers said.

The first burglary was reported shortly before 11:30 a.m. Monday and occurred in the 2200 block of 10th Street. The burglary happened between Saturday afternoon and when it was reported on Monday, Powers said.

“A reciprocating saw was taken from inside the residence,” he said. A screen was also damaged.

“Unknown how entry was made, but the residence had been unlocked,” Powers said.

The probable cause statement says the residence was under construction and unoccupied.

Another burglary was reported shortly after 2:30 p.m. Monday and occurred at a residence in the 2300 block of Ninth Street. The burglary happened between 6:30 a.m. and noon Monday, Powers said.

Taken were a 70-inch smart television, video games and shoes. Estimated total value was $500, Powers said.

“The residence was left unlocked; no signs of forced entry,” he said.

Since all three residences were unlocked, Powers urged folks to lock their doors.

“To help protect yourself from becoming a victim of this, lock your doors (and) secure your valuables,” he said.

The probable cause statement says all the stolen items have been recovered.

Steinmetz is also facing a charge of violating of a no contact order.