Suspects arrested after string of cat burglaries in Glendale, neighboring cities

GLENDALE, Ariz. (3TV/CBS 5) — Two men have been arrested in connection with a brazen crime spree where homes were burglarized at night, often while people were asleep inside. The suspects have been identified as 32-year-old Joseph Sosa and 24-year-old Damariea Doss.

At least 18 break-ins happened in Glendale and neighboring cities between January and April. Police say the suspects would enter the property through the backyard and then force open doors or windows, many of which were unlocked. In some cases, the cat burglars would enter through dog doors. Once inside, police say the suspects would seek out smaller items like purses, credit cards, wallets, keys and gaming consoles.

Most of the burglaries happened during the work week between 1:30 a.m. and 6:15 a.m. On March 14, four home burglaries and a vehicle burglary were reported within a half-mile radius in Arrowhead Lakes near 59th Avenue and Loop 101.

Detectives began collecting surveillance video from homes where the crimes occurred and nearby businesses. In at least one home security video, one of the suspects was holding a handgun. Video from area convenience stores, where the suspects would use credit cards to buy snacks, was used to identify Doss and a car they were driving. Officers tracked the car’s registration to a home and served a search warrant on April 23, where Sosa and Doss were arrested. Police recovered two stolen handguns and other stolen property. Police believe other stolen items were sold at pawn shops or on the street.

On May 2, both men were indicted by a Maricopa County grand jury on charges including first-degree burglary, misconduct involving weapons, trafficking in stolen property and others. Sosa is facing eight felonies, while Doss was charged with 11 felonies. Both have prior felony convictions.

While the majority of burglaries happened in Glendale, two similar cases were cleared in Phoenix and another in Avondale. In that case, a homeowner woke up to find a man standing in her kitchen. No one was hurt. Police believe the suspects are responsible for other burglaries that may not have been reported.

Glendale police urge residents to lock doors and windows and consider installing security cameras in and around homes.

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