Joplin Police arrest man from Diamond in connection with two burglaries

A man from Diamond is under arrest in connection with burglaries at two Joplin businesses.

Capt. William Davis of the JPD says 24-year-old Clayton D. Burke of Diamond is being held in connection with the incidents that took place on April 5th.

During a burglary at Body Metals at 1027 S. Byers, Burke reportedly entered the business while employees
were present and stole a nail gun along with a key to a piece of equipment at the property.

At Joplin Plumbing at 415 W. Junge Blvd., police say Burke damaged an excavator, stole thousands of dollars’ worth of tools, and drove a truck stolen from the business through a locked fence.

After further investigation by JPD detectives, the suspect was captured on surveillance video and was determined to be the same suspect in both incidents.

Burke was arrested on April 7th.  At the Joplin City Jail, it was found he was in possession of property stolen during one of the burglaries.

Burke was arrested on charges of Burglary in the 1st Degree (Boyd Metals) and Burglary in the 2nd Degree (Joplin Plumbing).

Burke, who had been previously released on his own recognizance in connection with burglaries and drug arrests, remains in custody at the Jasper County Jail on $50,000 bond.