Suspect caught on camera preparing for construction site burglary
HARRIS COUNTY (KTRK) -- Police are looking for a serial construction site burglar, one who has a unique pre-theft ritual, according to a private investigator.
Private investigator Mark Stephens set up cameras in a new neighborhood in Northeast Harris County at the request of the home building company. Stephens quickly caught the suspected thief, 51-year-old John Joseph Paiz, in action.
"He's not the sharpest knife in the drawer, no," Stephens said.
Pictures show Paiz walking shirtless down the neighborhood street with his arms outstretched.
"He was doing what I call pre-burglary warm-up stretches," Stephens said.
"He would get out in the middle of the street, doing his stretches, getting ready to do the heavy lifting."
Stephens said Paiz has stolen a master bath marble vanity, a granite countertop and 12 windows -- among other things.
Paiz helped Stephens with his investigation.
His name is tattooed across his stomach. "You can be proud of your prison tattoos if that's your thing, but if you're a serial burglar and you're committing another felony, probably not the best time to show them off," Stephens said.
A warrant has been issued for Paiz's arrest on three burglary of a building charges. The Harris County Sheriff's Office is looking for Paiz.
