Burglary suspect arrested after asking victim for help

WATERBORO — A mud-spattered burglary suspect was arrested after he showed up at the scene of the crime to ask for a ride because his truck was mired by the side of the road.

Richard Schoonmaker, 23, of Springvale was being held Monday on charges of burglary, theft, possession of stolen property, operating a motor vehicle as an habitual offender and possession of drug parapharnalia.

Police said that when Ray Dion saw his home had been broken into Saturday night, he called police and then went outside to see if the burglar was still around. Tools and stereo equipment had been taken by someone who kicked in a cellar window during the two hours Dion and his wife were out.

Soon Schoonmaker showed up, his camouflage clothing covered with mud.

“He asks me, `You heading to Hollis?’ And I said no,” Dion said. “He spooked me a little.”

Dion said he spotted what looked like his wrenches, marked with Dion’s initials, in the man’s pockets.

“It was like, give me a break,” said Dion. “I pointed my handgun at him and told him to drop and told him, `You move, I’m going to get you.’ I don’t think he knew what was going on.

“I really wanted to use a little force on him, but it’s not worth me getting arrested. There’s so much stuff you hear these days about criminals having more rights than homeowners,” Dion said.

A state trooper who arrived within a few minutes arrested Schoonmaker. Dion said most of his belongings were returned. Schoonmaker remained in York County Jail on Monday in lieu of bail.