CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake Police Department said Thursday that a Clearlake man has been arrested in connection to a commercial burglary that occurred last week.

Mathew Martin Gardiner, 24, was arrested on Wednesday for charges stemming from a burglary the previous week of Performance Mechanical, according to Lt. Tim Celli.

Celli said Gardiner is the second burglary suspect captured in recent weeks with help from the community.

On Wednesday, Feb. 6, Officer Andrew Adams investigated a reported burglary at Performance Mechanical, which is located in the 14700 block of Lakeshore Drive.

The burglary had occurred between 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, Celli said. A company truck had its window shattered and items stolen from it.

The investigation included video surveillance of the crime. The video showed a then-unknown white male suspect arrive and begin shining a flashlight while prowling around the business, Celli said.

Celli said the surveillance video also showed the suspect stayed at the scene but attempted to conceal his identity any time a car or someone passed by.

During this approximately 30-minute time frame, the suspect was able to steal approximately $250 worth of items from the vehicle and flee, Celli said.

At 11:30 a.m. Wednesday a citizen who is close to the investigation – and whose name Celli said was withheld for their protection – saw a suspect matching the description and notified police.

Police responded to the area and eventually located the suspect, identified as Gardiner, Celli said.

At first Gardiner denied being involved in the theft, but eventually admitted involvement after being confronted with the video and an interview by Officer Adams, said Celli.

Celli said the items stolen during the burglary were recovered and returned to the owner.

Gardiner was booked into the Lake County Jail on felony charges of second degree burglary and being in possession of stolen property, with his booking sheet showing that his bail was set at $15,000.

Jail records indicated he remained in custody on Thursday, with a Friday court date set.

The Clearlake Police Department encourages anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact Officer Adams at 707-994-8251.

Celli said the department also reminds citizens to report suspicious activity to police. Callers may remain anonymous, and together the community and police can make a difference, Celli said.