Alleged burglar linked to two year old crime through DNA

 BOCA RATON– Police detectives recently arrested a suspect who was linked to a two-year-old burglary through DNA.

 Public Information Officer Sandra Boonenberg said that on June 28, detectives received a letter from the CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) Administrator for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. The letter stated that the DNA from the latex glove was identified as matching convicted offender Bradley Begens, 23, of Boca Raton.

 A warrant was filed with the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office and on July 25, Begens was arrested and charged with burglary with assault and battery.

 Boonenberg said Begens was linked to a break Sept. 24, 2009 into a home on SE Mizner Boulevard.

 Police said the homeowner left his house to run a quick errand. When he returned 35 minutes later he discovered an unknown male in his house. The suspect attacked the homeowner and the two fought until the victim could get away.

 the man, who suffered cuts and bruises but no serious injuries, ran out of the house and called Boca Raton Police.

 Detectives investigating the crime conducted a thorough investigation. Evidence from the crime scene, including DNA from a latex glove, was processed along with several other items.

 Although the detective’s initial investigation did not produce any viable leads, Boonenberg said, the latex glove and other items were sent to the PBSO Crime Lab for DNA analysis.