Alleged thief apprehended in citizen’s arrest in Vernon facing multiple charges

VERNON – An alleged thief tracked down and apprehended by the victim of the crime is facing three criminal charges.

Mitchell Frank Sakowski, 25, has been charged with possession of stolen property, possessing break-in tools, and dealing with an identity document without lawful excuse.

Sakowski was arrested after Vernon resident Kevin Barkhouse noticed him wearing a suspected stolen jacket. Barkhouse, whose vehicle was broken into the night before, confronted him and ended up finding his wallet in Sakowski’s bag. Barkhouse detained him until police arrived and took a selfie of the episode. 

The charges were laid Dec. 20 and Sakowski next returns to court Jan. 25 for a bail hearing. He is being held in custody.

This isn’t the first time Sakowski has had a brush with the law. Since 2013, he’s been convicted of theft under $5000, theft of mail and trafficking a controlled substance.

The latest charges have not been proven in court. 

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