Two men were arrested last week after breaking into two local establishments — one in Palmer Twp. and the other in the City of Becker.

 

Michael Bies and James Dale were apprehended Nov. 8 at around 4:30 a.m. after first breaking into Kinitski’s Bar and Restaurant in Palmer, then as they escaped to the south, broke into Nix Restaurant on Hwy. 10 and Hancock before being apprehended by Becker police and Sherburne County deputies.

 

Bies and Dale have a lengthy criminal record and it’s been reported that Dale had just recently been released from prison for an earlier crime. Bies, who claims he had no knowledge of Dale’s intent to break into the properties and remained in the vehicle, was also in jail in the not-so-distant past.

 

The arrest happened after Becker police were notified by a passer-by along Hwy. 10 that a man was seen wearing a mask and holding a crow bar. Becker Police Officer Cody Cook sped to the scene and called for assistance to Sherburne County. When Cook and the deputy arrived, Bies and Dale took off and a chase ensued north on Hwy. 25.

 

The suspect’s vehicle eventually pulled over, but Dale jumped out of the car and tried to escape on foot. After about 100 yards, the deputy from Sherburne County tackled and apprehended him.

 Nix owner Shelly Mattson was on vacation at the time of the break-in, but was notified via phone call at around 5:30 a.m.

 

Mattson told the Citizen-Tribune the suspects had cut the phone and security system lines outside the building, then crow-barred the back door to gain access. The suspect(s) entered the establishment and quickly gained access to the till, where they were able to pilfer around $200. They also broke into another drawer and a box dedicated to pull-tabs, but were unable to thieve anything else.

 

The first break-in by the suspects was attempted at Kinitski’s where the criminals had a difficult time gaining entrance. According to an employee at Kinitski’s, the back door of the establishment was damaged due to a crow bar, but the perpetrators were unable to access the building. They busted a lock, but apparently gave up after several attempts proved fruitless.

 

Kinitski’s is owned by John and Debra Smuda.

 

Becker police alluded to the fact the two suspects were high on drugs and/or alcohol and had drugs in their vehicle as well.

 

Both men were booked into Sherburne County jail and are being held pending further investigation.