WEST COVINA — Police jailed a man early Wednesday on suspicion of burglarizing the same bar two nights in a row and stealing empty bottles and cans, authorities said.
Joel Menefee, 46, of West Covina was arrested early Wednesday at the Cove bar, 146 S. Glendora Ave., West Covina police Lt. Ron Mitchell said.
The bar’s owner called police Tuesday to report that the business had been broken into, empty bottles and cans had been stolen and the intruder had been captured on surveillance video, police said.
The owner also told police the suspect may have broken into the bar before, Lt. David Rozeboom said.
Police officers stopped by the bar about 4 a.m. Wednesday and found Menefee there standing near his truck, Rozeboom said. Someone had forced their way into the bar.
A locksmith by trade, Menefee admitted to police that he picked the lock to get into the establishment, police said.
According to sheriff’s booking records, Menefee was released from jail hours after his arrest after posting $200,000 bail. He was due for arraignment Friday in West Covina Superior Court.