Police Make Arrest in $15,000 Burglary of River Trail House

have made an arrest in the Dec. 13 daytime burglary of a River Trail Boulevard home – and have recovered some of the more than $15,000 worth of jewelry and electronics that were stolen.

Kent native Alexander J. Gaj, 18, now of Akron, was arrested at 6:02 p.m. Jan. 10 at 319 S. Water St. on a warrant issued by Kent Police. The freshman has been charged with burglary, a second-degree felony.

Kent Police Lt. Paul Canfield said the arrest was the result of an investigation by Kent officers and detectives who were aided by “the cooperation of several witnesses.”

According to records, a resident of the 1400 block of River Trail called police at 2:57 p.m. Dec. 13 to report that her home had been burglarized that morning or early afternoon. Entry was gained through a bedroom window.

Among the items stolen were a diamond ring valued at $3,500, a diamond anniversary ring valued at $2,900, a diamond pendant valued at $2,500, a diamond tennis bracelet valued at $1,800, a diamond wedding band valued at $1,000 and $250 worth of 2007 George Washington gold commemorative $1 coins.

Also taken was a 32-inch flat-screen television valued at $500.

Portage County Court online records show Gaj was arraigned Jan. 11 in Kent Municipal Court, where a preliminary hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. Friday.