OAK BLUFFS — A man suspected of committing a series of break-ins on Martha’s Vineyard has been arrested, authorities announced Wednesday.
Over recent weeks, the Oak Bluffs Police Department, along with Tisbury and Edgartown police, have been investigating about 85 incidents of breaking and entering targeting unlocked vehicles and buildings across the three towns.
Surveillance footage in several cases showed a masked individual.
Last week, investigators focused on Eric J.
Johnson, a 25-year-old Tisbury resident with a history of similar offenses and outstanding arrest warrants in Rhode Island.
On Nov. 27, at 12:38 p.m., police executed a search warrant at Johnson’s home on 40 Carroll’s Way.
The search yielded stolen property linked to the break-ins, a mask matching the one from the videos, and other evidence.
Johnson was arrested at the scene.
He appeared in Edgartown District Court earlier today, facing multiple charges.
Held without bail for a probation violation and as a fugitive from justice, his bail for the break-in charges was set at $1,000, despite a $15,000 request by the District Attorney’s office.
Until proven guilty, all defendants maintain their innocence according to the law.
