Repeat Burglar Accused of Trying to Break into Rochester Home

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Two Rochester residents were awakened to a man attempting to break into their home early Saturday morning.

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The criminal complaint against 27-year-old Spencer Gray of Montrose, MN says he pried open a screen and broke two windows on a home in southeast Rochester. The residents were alerted to Gray’s presence by their dog.

One of the victims told officers she saw Gray crouched on the deck. The complaint says the home belongs to Gray’s grandfather. Gray told police he went to the home to use the bathroom after his car broke down.

Responding officers found burglary tools near the window Gray had allegedly broken. Gray admitted to owning the tools but said he did not intend to steal from the residence.

Gray is charged with first-degree attempted burglary, possession of burglary tools and fourth-degree damage to property. Court records show Gray was convicted of second-degree burglary in Carver County in 2016 and has a third-degree burglary conviction in Wright County that also happened in 2016.