LOGAN — A 46-year-old Logan man is being investigated after authorities say he went on a broad-daylight spree attempting to break into multiple homes and vehicles across a residential neighborhood near Utah State University.
Michael Erik Martinez was arrested Aug. 13 after witnesses and law enforcement officers reportedly observed him systematically checking door handles on houses and cars along 300 North and Boulevard Street.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, Logan City police officers responded to a burglary report after a resident reported seeing Martinez manipulate the handle of a parked vehicle at 555 E. 300 North. The witness watched as Martinez then moved to a neighboring home and jiggled the front door handle in an attempt to gain entry.
Investigators said Martinez continued through the neighborhood, attempting to open vehicle doors and front and back doors at residences.
During the spree, police allege Martinez successfully entered one apartment. Officers later found the door open. When searching Martinez following his arrest, police recovered two Toyota key fobs in his possession that belonged to a resident of that apartment. A bag belonging to another resident of the same address was also discovered outside in the rain.
A Utah State University police officer spotted Martinez nearby, where the officer observed him attempting to get inside a parked vehicle before moving to the house and jiggling the front door handle. Officers quickly took Martinez into custody at the scene.
Following his arrest, officers read Martinez his Miranda rights, but Martinez declined to answer questions. He was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance before being booked into the Cache County Jail.
According to court records, Martinez has been charged in Logan’s 1st District Court with six second-degree felony counts of burglary of a dwelling, two Class B misdemeanor counts of fuel theft, one Class B misdemeanor count of attempted burglary of a vehicle, and four Class B misdemeanor counts of vehicle tampering.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.