Homeowner holds burglar until officers arrive, police say

Police said a Janesville man was arrested on suspicion of burglary after a homeowner caught him inside the home and held him until officers arrived.

On Friday at 11:48 p.m. Janesville police officers were dispatched to two separate residential burglaries in the 4300 block of Prairie Fox Drive and the 1600 block of Wildrose Way. In one of the burglaries, the suspect entered the home and stole a purse. The homeowner discovered the burglar in the house and the suspect fled on foot.

Police said someone had also attempted to enter the other home but was not successful. Officers and a K-9 searched the area but could not locate the suspect.

About 2 hours later, officers were sent back to the 4300 block of Prairie Fox Drive after a third resident called to report a burglary in progress, according to the report. The homeowner discovered the suspect in the residence and chased him out of the house. The homeowner caught the burglar as he tried to flee and a physical confrontation occurred. The homeowner held the burglar until officers arrived.

Police said Nicholas M. Wuthrich, 20, was arrested on suspicion of two counts of burglary, attempted burglar, two counts of theft, battery and probation violation.
Wuthrich is being held at the Rock County Jail.

Police said the arrest comes on the heels of a rash of burglaries on the north side of Janesville.