Car burglary suspect busted

COEUR d'ALENE - A Spokane woman was arrested in Coeur d'Alene early Wednesday in connection with a string of recent vehicle burglaries in the area.

Bobbi L. Gonyea, 21, was booked into the Kootenai County jail on three counts of burglary, possession of burglary tools and giving false information to a law enforcement officer. Coeur d'Alene Police Sgt. Christie Wood told The Press on Wednesday that Gonyea could potentially be charged on more counts of burglary as the investigation progresses.

"At this point, we think there are more people involved in this than just her," Wood said. "But we got one."

In the last two weeks there have been at least 17 vehicles targeted in what police describe as a "smash and grab" operation.

"These people were very active," Wood said. "If they see valuables in a vehicle, they are smashing the window and taking them. They're very willing to do damage to vehicles in order to get valuable items."

According to a police department press release, the majority of the cars targeted and burglarized were parked in public places such as hotels, restaurants and retail stores.

Wood encouraged Coeur d'Alene residents to not only lock their vehicles, but to make sure to remove or hide any valuables as well.