Glen Ellyn man arrested for thefts, held at county jail

A 20-year-old Glen Ellyn man was being held Tuesday at the DuPage County jail after a rash of break-ins in the area.

Thomas S. Gochis, of 17 N. Main St., Unit 2G, is facing one count of felony theft and seven counts of misdemeanor theft, police said. He was being held on a $25,000 bond.

Glen Ellyn Deputy Police Chief Bill Holmer said officers were at Gochis' apartment on another call when one of them saw property that had been reported stolen.

After obtaining a search warrant, police returned to the apartment and found more than $1,000 worth of property that's unaccounted for, Holmer said.

Police found belongings, including laptops, compact disc players, electric scooters, leaf blowers and cell phones that they believe were stolen from various vehicles and residential garages, authorities said.

"He obtained unauthorized control of the properties, intending to permanently deprive it from its owner," Holmer said.

Glen Ellyn police are investigating whether Gochis is tied to any other break-ins. They are encouraging residents whose vehicles or garages have been broken into to call investigators at (630) 469-1187.