A Dunkirk resident is facing burglary charges.

Justin Baez, 29, of West Courtney Street is charged with three counts of third-degree burglary and one count each of third-degree criminal mischief, fourth-degree criminal mischief, petit larceny, possession of burglar’s tools and second-degree obstructing governmental administration.

According to a Dunkirk Police Department press release, Baez was nabbed Wednesday morning after officers received a report at about 4:30 a.m. of a suspicious person inside a Central Avenue multi-family house. Upon their arrival, the officers saw him running from the scene. After a short foot chase, Baez was arrested in the basement of a house near the corner of Seventh Street and Washington Avenue.

Police determined that Baez unlawfully entered the Central Avenue dwelling and vandalized the coin-operated dryer to steal coins. Further investigation led to charges filed against him for allegedly unlawfully entering Fieldbrook Foods on Sunday and stealing an employee’s belongings and vandalizing a contractor’s trailer. Additionally, Baez was charged for allegedly entering Ehrheart’s Collision on Bucknor Street on Saturday and stealing cash.

Baez appeared in City Court and was released under the provisions of the state’s bail reform act.

In the last 45 days, Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, the Elks Club and the Salvation Army building have been either vandalized or burglarized. Residents have also noted a number of other minor incidents occurring in garages or sheds in the city.

Residents are reminded to keep their car and home doors locked. Residents are also urged to report incidents to the city police at 366-2266.