[Update 2:58 p.m.] Redway School Burglar Suspect Arrested Today

Photo provided by a reader.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the man suspected of being the burglar who slept on bean bags at Redway School has been arrested. Today, the suspect was spotted in Redway and taken into custody by sheriff’s deputies near the north end of town around 12 p.m.

On July 10, a teacher spotted a man believed to be the individual arrested today sleeping in her classroom. After the man left the building, it was discovered that multiple items were missing including two handheld black Motorola radios with red accents and a classroom laptop computer.

The suspect is being taken to the Humboldt County jail and will be booked on burglary charges.

UPDATE 2:58 p.m.: This is a press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. The information has not been proven in a court of law and the individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:

On 07-13-2015, at approximately 12:00 p.m., a citizen contacted the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and reported that he believed the suspect in the Redway Elementary School burglary was currently standing near the intersection of Redwood Drive and Willow Avenue, Redway.
Upon Sheriff’s Deputies arrival, they contacted Michael Terrell Wilks (age 26 from Hattiesburg Mississippi).  Also present was the teacher who initially reported the burglary on 07-10-15.  The teacher was able to positively identify Wilks as the same person that she observed sleeping in her classroom.
Wilks waived his Miranda Rights and was questioned about the burglary.  Wilks admitted to entering the classroom with the intent to steal food.  Wilks also stated that he needed a place to sleep for the evening and figured the school was a good place because it was summer.  Wilks denied stealing the school’s laptop computer or hand held radios.  These items are still outstanding.
Wilks was placed under arrest for burglary and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.  Wilks’ bail was set at $50,000.