On Tuesday, Dec. 10, at approximately 10 a.m., patrol officers of the Wareham Police Department responded to 259 Marion Rd., where a citizen reported confronting an unknown adult male, who reportedly fled from the scene on foot after allegedly attempting to break into the garage on the property.   

Although the suspect was not immediately located, responding officers relayed the information to detectives, who had been investigating reports of residential breaking and entering incidents that have occurred in the same area of town during the past two months.

Investigation of several recent incidents revealed a similar method of operation being used by the suspect, who would enter homes through unlocked doors, cause very little disruption or damage, then remove jewelry and loose change from the residences. The reported incidents occurred within walking distance from each other in the Hathaway Street and Marion Road areas.

Investigation of the reported incidents and information received during the incident on Tuesday led detectives to the home of a suspect at 8 Swifts Beach Road, where 25-year-old Joseph Prada-Ruiz was arrested on four outstanding warrants issued by the Wareham District Court for related offenses and probation violations.

Further investigation by detectives led to charges of breaking and entering, malicious destruction over $250, and receiving stolen property against Prada-Ruiz for his involvement in at least five reported incidents that occurred in the Hathaway Street and Marion Road areas. The investigation also led to the recovery of approximately $3,000 worth of various items of jewelry, which will be returned to the rightful owners.

The investigation also led to the arrest of Prada-Ruiz’s girlfriend, 32-year-old Kristen Smith, who was placed under arrest and charged with receiving stolen property -- jewelry.

As the investigation of past breaking and entering incidents in the Wareham continues, especially those incidents that occurred in the Hathaway St. / Marion Rd. areas, detectives request that anyone with information regarding similar incidents, including missing jewelry and other items with no obvious signs of forced entry, call the Wareham Police Department Detective Division at 508-295-1206 to report information or make inquiries.

Prada-Ruiz and Smith were arraigned at Wareham 4th District Court on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

Interim Chief of Police Kevin Walsh praised the cooperative efforts of citizens, patrol officers and detectives of the Wareham Police Department, which led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of valuable personal property.