Palm Desert Man Accused of 'Cat' Burglaries, Drug, Gun Offenses

PALM DESERT (CNS) - A 51-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of
multiple burglaries, possible drug sales and firearm violations following a
residential break-in in Palm Desert, authorities said today.
  

Ryan Patrick Wood of Palm Desert was booked into Benoit Detention
Center in Indio Tuesday on suspicion of burglary, attempted burglary and
firearms-related offenses.
  

He was released Wednesday on $70,000 bail.
  

Deputies responded to a burglary call around 7 a.m. Tuesday in the
44500 block of Portola Avenue, where a caller reported that a man knocked on
the door, entered the residence and stole items, according to sheriff's Sgt.
James Mills.
  

The suspect fled before deputies arrived but was located nearby a
short time later.
  

Investigators with the sheriff's Robbery and Burglary Suppression Team
identified Wood as the suspect in multiple ``cat'' burglaries within the
city, which involve break-ins while residents are home.
  

``The potential for a dangerous encounter between the homeowner or
victim and the suspect is significantly higher in these type of crimes,'' Mills
said.
  

A search warrant executed at Wood's residence around 7 p.m. Tuesday
led to the seizure of several hundred vials of growth hormones and two
unregistered firearms, according to Mills.
  

Anyone with information about the crimes was urged to contact Deputy
Sanchez at 770-836-1600.
  

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