Serial small business burglar behind bars

A man deputies call a serial small business burglar is off the streets and behind bars.

(KIRO 7)

The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office said Joshua Duncan stole thousands of dollars from at least five local businesses, including Mrs. Beesley’s Burgers, in Toledo.

“It’s a horrible feeling. It’s such a violation, anybody who’s had that stuff stolen. It is a violation to your privacy and your safety, you know, somebody’s been here, what have they gone through?” said Julie Zion.

Ron and Julie Zion just bought the burger joint in July, and now they’re out about $2,000.

They said Duncan used a picnic table to climb onto the roof. He then crawled through the vents and dropped down into the restaurant.

“By getting this individual, it does give that great sense of community relief that this is no longer a threat,” said Lewis County Sheriff’s Office Chief Dusty Breen.

Breen said the crimes went on for a month in Lewis County. He said Duncan broke into the businesses at night through the roof when no one was inside.

Another spot hit was the Cedar Village IGA in Winlock. Finally, cops said they caught Duncan when he was breaking into a Chehalis church on Wednesday.

“Mr. Duncan… admitted to his involvement in those burglaries,” said Breen.

The state said Duncan also has multiple pending charges in Thurston County from June. He will likely face more charges in Lewis County as well.

Duncan is being held on a $250,000 bond. He’ll be back in court Thursday for his arraignment.

By Shelby Miller, KIRO 7