CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake Police Department said Thursday that a man suspected of being responsible for several thefts in Clearlake homes – where he had been allowed in after asking residents for water – has been arrested.

Clearlake transient Richard William O’Keefe Jr., 32, was taken into custody late Wednesday night, according to Clearlake Police Sgt. Rodd Joseph.

On Feb. 26 the Clearlake Police Department had issued a report on an unidentified male subject who was going to homes around the city, claiming to be associated with the local fire department and asking residents for water.

Victims reported that after he was admitted into their homes, he stole items and then fled, as Lake County News has reported. Items reported stolen included electronics, wallets and purses.

Following the agency's release of the report on the thefts, Joseph said the Clearlake Police Department received several tips regarding the subject's possible identity, and were able to positively identify O'Keefe as the suspect in at least two of the recent Clearlake thefts.

Officers are working to try and link O’Keefe to other similar reported crimes, Joseph said.

On Wednesday night, shortly after 11 p.m., O’Keefe was taken into custody by Clearlake Police officers on unrelated charges stemming from illegal controlled substance use in a residence he had broken into and in which he was trespassing, according to Joseph.

During the contact with police O’Keefe resisted arrest, threatened to kill officers at their residences and to blow up the police department with C4 explosive, Joseph said.

O'Keefe was booked into the Lake County Jail early Thursday morning. Jail records showed he was booked on a misdemeanor charge of entering a noncommercial dwelling, and felony obstructing or resisting an executive officer. He has a March 17 court appearance scheduled.

Joseph said that, upon completion of the Clearlake Police investigation, the reports will be forwarded to the Lake County District Attorney’s Office for additional charges against O’Keefe.

The Clearlake Police Department thanked Lake County residents who called in and provided crucial information, which Joseph said ultimately led to O’Keefe’s positive identification in the theft cases.