Three arrested in South Tahoe crime spree

Three men were arrested Saturday in connection with a string of burglaries and vandalism incidents around South Lake Tahoe, police said.

Joshua Spier, 19; John Stewart, 20; and Ryan Withnell, 20, were booked into the El Dorado County jail on suspicion of burglary, possession of stolen property and vandalism.

In addition, Stewart was booked on suspicion of carrying a concealed dirk, or dagger, according to a county Web site with inmate details.

Police described the men as local, but their cities of residence were not immediately available.

The trio is suspected of committing at least 12 commercial burglaries in the past two weeks and at least that many incidents of vandalism to local businesses, South Lake Tahoe police Sgt. Shannon Laney said in a press release.

Six South Lake Tahoe businesses had their windows shot out or smashed early Wednesday. On Thursday, eight businesses reported being burglarized overnight, and four were vandalized using BB or pellet guns.

Police are continuing their investigation into the crimes. Anyone with information is asked to call South Lake Tahoe police at (530) 542-6110 or the Secret Witness anonymous tip line at (530) 541-6800.