08-02-2025
Rockford man wanted for multiple burglaries, stealing a truck is in custody
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Police arrested Paul Bahler, 49, for an alleged string of burglaries among other incidents.
On Jan. 27, around 6 p.m., a woman called the police and reported that her house was being burglarized in the 1300 block of Cosper Avenue. She said she was watching a live video from her security cameras on her phone.
As officials arrived at the scene, a red GMC Yukon was seen fleeing the area. Authorities attempted to pull the SUV over but were unable to.
Police determined Bahler was the suspect after an interview with the driver of the SUV.
On February 4, around 1 p.m., officers were on patrol when they were told by dispatch that a Ford F-550 with 'Troy Lee Excavating' displayed on both sides of the vehicle was stolen.
Authorities found the truck unoccupied with the keys still in the ignition on 22nd Street. One of the workers who uses the truck arrived on the scene and told officers a man stole the truck while his crew was working near Charles and 21st Streets.
The man also said his tools and phone were missing from the truck.
Police found the victim's belongings on the side of a house in the 2400 block of 23rd Street.
Officers determined from further investigation Bahler was the suspect. He was also a suspect in a June 2024 burglary, a March 2024 theft and two 2021 vehicle thefts.
Officials eventually arrested and booked Bahler into the Winnebago County Jail on February 6th.
Bahler is charged with burglary, possession of meth and stealing a vehicle.
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