Article Contributed on: 5/8/2007 1:09:35 PM
In March 2007, neighborhoods in south Jefferson County experienced a high volume of nighttime residential burglaries and auto thefts. In most cases, the suspect entered homes through open garage doors or unlocked windows, many times while victims were asleep inside.
During the course of the investigation, detectives from across the metro area began sharing information concerning a series of similar burglaries and auto thefts. The nexus in these cases became clear as the suspect began a pattern of stealing a vehicle from one burglary scene and subsequently abandoning the stolen auto at the location of the next burglary, at which time a new vehicle was stolen. On one such occasion in mid April, a red Mercedes was stolen during a burglary in Douglas County. On May 2nd, a Colorado State Patrol trooper contacted the stolen Mercedes in the area of C-470 and Quincy Avenue. The male occupant fled the scene on foot and was taken into custody following a short foot pursuit. The suspect, identified as
David J. Heckman (dob 08-27-75), had an active warrant for Escape. Inside the vehicle, the trooper located several stolen ID's, credit cards, checkbooks, cellular phones and other miscellaneous items, much of which could be linked to a number of residential burglaries. Investigators also learned that Mr. Heckman had allegedly pawned additional stolen property at a local pawn shop.
Investigators executed a search warrant at Mr. Heckman's residence in Lakewood and located several additional items of evidentiary value (golf clubs, credit cards, ID's, a plasma TV, jewelry, a camera and numerous cellular phones). Investigators have linked Mr. Heckman to at least 20 burglaries and several auto thefts and first degree criminal trespasses.
Mr. Heckman is currently in custody at the Jefferson County Detention Center on a no bond hold.
Jacki Kelley is the public information director Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.