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Man seen swiping decorations

Cameras catch suspect in act

An alleged thief was caught red-handed swiping Halloween decorations in Butler.

City police said Louis R. Rienzi, 44, of Butler was captured in the early morning hours Sunday on the victim's home security cameras stealing a rubber rat and a rubber snake, valued at a combined $85.

Patrolman Caleb Forsythe charged Rienzi in the theft after he was identified through the video, according to court documents.

The victim, Thomas Murphy, reported the crime to police about 8:30 a.m. Sunday after he discovered the decorations missing at his home on the 200 block of East Pearl Street.

He also advised police of a key piece of evidence — surveillance footage of the crime that happened at 3:08 a.m.

Officers reviewed the video and recognized Rienzi as the man seen entering and prowling around the fenced-in yard and walking onto the porch, Forsythe said.

Police went to his home on the 300 block of East Brady Street. Rienzi admitted stealing the items and turned them over to officers, police said.

Rienzi is charged with theft, receiving stolen property, loitering and prowling at nighttime and defiant trespass. His preliminary hearing is set for Nov. 6.

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