Calls about suspicious person leads to arrest of suspected thief

Lincoln Police say tips from residents about a suspicious person resulted in the arrest of a suspected thief and vandal. 

Officers arrived in the 3800 block of J Street Monday on reports of a person who appeared to be taking items from vehicles, as well as a bicycle. 

When officers saw the man, identified by police as Brendan Pietenpol, 23, he dropped the bike and took off, police said. Through interviews with neighbors, police learned Pietenpol had kicked in the door to a house and gone inside. 

Pietenpol was taken into custody and cited for vandalism, trespassing and failure to comply with commands of an officer. 

LPD says this case was the second case in two days where residents reported suspicious behavior and officers were able to make an arrest. 

Police say the incidents “exemplify the critical partnership between vigilant and observant Lincoln residents and dedicated LPD officers who quickly responded and conducted diligent follow-up to connect and clear large numbers of associated cases.”