Police: Burglars Caught Red-Handed When Homeowner Returned

She walked into her home, set her purse down — and saw an unknown man hiding behind her kitchen table. Moments later, the panicked victim and two would-be burglars — who police say were caught in the act — all fled from the apartment.

Now, one of the two burglars Inver Grove Heights police believe were involved in the incident faces a felony first-degree burglary charge. If convicted on the count, Jeffrey Allen Stewart, 43, faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and $35,000 in fines.

Police say Stewart and another man were busy ransacking the Inver Grove Heights apartment on March 16 when the resident returned home. Interrupted, police say the two burglars ran, but not before they took the victim's purse.

The victim was able to provide a physical description to police. Shortly after the burglary, police learned that someone was attempting to use one of the stolen credit cards at a local gas station. Officers used security footage from the gas station to track the license plate of the vehicle back to Stewart's mother, who admitted her son had been using the vehicle on the date of the burglary. Police conducted a photo line-up with the victim of the burglary, who identified Stewart as one of the two burglars.

Bail for Stewart, who is currently being held at the Dakota County Jail, was set at $40,000. Stewart has prior convictions for third-degree burglary, second-degree burglary and disorderly conduct.  Stewart's next court date is scheduled for May 16.