Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional information from police and court records.
An Arizona man on probation for burglary was arrested again last week after he allegedly broke into a half-dozen businesses in the area, according to Chandler police and court records.
Police said in court documents that they found Charles Payne, 56, inside a Five Guys restaurant near Arizona Avenue and Ocotillo Road around 3 a.m. on Nov. 10. Police said officers noticed a window was broken at the restaurant and saw Payne coming out of the restaurant.
Surveillance video showed Payne break the window with a rock and go inside the business, police said. Nothing was reported missing.
Roughly 30 minutes earlier —around 2:27 a.m. — police said surveillance video showed Payne use a rock to break a window at a Sonic Drive-In about two miles north of the Five Guys, according to court documents.
Police said a cash register was also flipped over, but nothing was reported missing.
Around 2 a.m., police said Payne was recorded on surveillance video using a large rock to break into the Cobblestone Car Wash next to the Sonic Drive-In, and then attempted to get into a safe, according to court documents.
Press Release
— Chandler Police (@ChandlerPolice) November 12, 2021
Career Criminal Arrested by Chandler Police After Burglary Crime Spree
After a two-day crime spree involving six commercial burglaries, the Chandler Police Department arrested a career criminal with a history of victimizing retail businesses. #ChandlerSafe pic.twitter.com/3JZmed3Uvw
In a news release posted on social media on Friday, Chandler police said Payne was also tied to other burglaries that allegedly happened at businesses near Alma School And Queen Creek roads, though details on those incidents were not listed in court documents.
Payne was arrested and booked into jail under suspicion of third-degree burglary, documents state.
In an interview with detectives, Chandler police said Payne admitted to breaking into the Sonic Drive-in because "he saw the cash register and needed money," documents state. He also admitted to being at the Five Guys restaurant but said the window was already broken.
Police said Payne cut his hand at the Sonic Drive-In. Blood was found at the restaurant and a cut was noted on Payne's hand.
Documents also state that Payne had been previously arrested and convicted on charges related to burglaries, dangerous drugs, escape, and larceny.
