CLEWISTON —In response to recent vehicle burglaries, the Clewiston Police Department conducted a vehicle burglary surveillance operation in  the early morning hours of Sept. 20. At approximately 2:15 a.m., an officer assigned to the operation observed a white male (dressed in dark clothing and carrying a black pack) pull-on door handles of three vehicles in the area of the Bass and Sun Condominiums, located on North Francisco Street.

When confronted by the officer, the male fled on foot toward the Tiki Bar Restaurant jumping into a marshy area in an attempt to conceal himself. The officer gave chase and with responding officers, they were able to capture the male, identified as 37-year old Arthur Rowell. The officers witnessed him in possession of a wallet that he attempted to discard. The wallet was found to contain identification and credit cards not belonging to Rowell.

Arthur Rowell was arrested and found to have three knives concealed in his waistband. He was also found to be in possession of marijuana laced with fentanyl. He was charged with loitering and prowling, tampering with evidence, six counts of possession of personal identification information, resisting arrest without violence, two counts of possession of a concealed weapon, possession of fentanyl, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

As officers believe the wallet belongs to a recent vehicle burglary victim, no additional information is being released

This arrest came just hours after the arrest of 39-year-old Don Foligno. He was arrested on Sept. 19 for the allegedged July 1 theft of a boat motor that was taken from under a carport in the City of Clewiston.

Chief Tom Lewis stated, “I’m proud of the work of our officers and our detective in these cases. The fact that these men are behind bars and accountability is coming is the result of good police work and a great partnership with the community.”

More arrests are pending.