Man Arrested Might Be Linked to Recent Norristown Burglaries, Police Say

Norristown police have arrested a man they think might have been involved in a recent slew of Norristown burglaries.

On Tuesday around 3:23 p.m., Norristown police went to a residence on the 700 block of Kohn Street in response to a complaint of a burglary that was in progress. Witnesses said they had observed a man trying to enter a home through its side window, say police.

The witnesses had called 911 and said the man wore blue jeans, a black jacket and a green baseball hat. They further told 911 that the man was going in the direction of the backyards of George Street’s west side.

The officers in that area saw a man, later identified as John Valdez, a 51-year-old Norristown resident, who seemed to fit that description. When they came towards the man he started to run through yards in the area. Officers ran after him and were able to apprehend him after a struggle.

The witnesses indicated to police that he was the man they had seen trying to break into a home. Police arrested Valdez and he was charged with attempted burglary.

Items were found on Valdez’s person, as well as his home, that police say might connect him to recent area burglaries, say police. Police also found that he had an active bench warrant from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department.  

According to police, Valdez, who was released from prison in November, has previously been arrested for burglary in 2009, 2008, 2001 and 2000. 

“Once again an arrest was made successful due to concerned citizens looking out for each other and coming forward with helpful information,” wrote a Norristown police Lieutenant in an email.

Police think that there is another suspect who acted in the recent slew of burglaries that have occurred in the 500 to 700 blocks of Kohn Street and George Street.

Norristown police ask the public to be alert and contact police if they see or hear anything suspicious. For emergencies, dial 911, and dial 619-275-1222 for a non-emergency. People who only want pass along helpful information can call Norristown police at 610-270-0977.