A Bend man is in custody after police say a string of burglaries and vandalism targeted local businesses and vehicles Friday morning. Officers arrested 47-year-old James Tharp, Junior after incidents at High Time Vape and Smoke, The Herb Center and Third Street Beverage; where the front door damage alone was estimated at approximately $15,000. Later that morning someone had used large lava rocks to break the windows of five vehicles parked in the area of Northeast Ross and Boyd Acres roads. Nothing was taken from the vehicles.
Investigators say surveillance showed the same suspect wearing distinctive clothing during the break-ins. Police later found Tharp inside an unoccupied home on Northeast Greeley Avenue, where they recovered about 900 dollars in cigarettes, along with racks, socks, and lighters. He was booked into the Deschutes County Jail on burglary, theft, and criminal mischief charges.



