Rochester Burglar Caught Hiding on Roof - Sent to Prison

A Rochester man has been sentenced to prison following a series of burglaries that took place last December. The individual, identified as 39-year-old Andrew Tyler Jones, was apprehended after local law enforcement began an investigation linked to multiple burglary incidents in the area.

Law enforcement first became aware of Jones when a family member reported a burglary in Stewartville, citing him as the suspect. The victim indicated that Jones had previously broken into their garage and was believed to be residing at a Rochester treatment center at the time. Just days later, authorities connected Jones to another burglary occurring on South Broadway in Rochester.

On the same day as the burglary investigation, a separate incident was reported involving a food truck that had been vandalized. Notably, a reciprocating saw taken from the earlier Stewartville burglary was discovered at this location. This led to further scrutiny on Jones, who was soon spotted by police while attempting to flee the scene.

During a subsequent chase, Jones ran into an abandoned Denny's restaurant. Police surrounded the building and used a drone to locate him on the roof, ultimately leading to his surrender. Once inside, investigators found evidence suggesting that Jones had been living in the abandoned structure, along with numerous suspected stolen items, including around 26 hammers.

Jones was charged with third-degree burglary and other related misdemeanors. In February, he accepted a plea agreement resulting in a guilty plea to the felony burglary charge, with the other charges dismissed. His sentencing marks the conclusion of this significant burglary case in Rochester.