Police believe they’ve caught the man responsible for several recent cases of arson, burglary, and vandalism in Kenedy.

Ansony Martinez (32) of Corpus Christi was apprehended by police March 9 after a resident reported suspicious activity outside her home. Martinez was dressed in all black at the time and had a backpack with him containing several tools Police Chief Duane DuBose said are commonly used in burglaries.

Martinez is the one believed to be responsible for burglarizing Head to Toe February 2, burglarizing Phelps Family Dentistry January 26, and three other residences.

Police are looking into possible connections with the trashing of Stimson Furniture March 4, the arson and vandalism at the Kenedy Masonic Lodge building March 2, the smashed windows at Karnes Insurance Agency and McAda Physical Therapy January 2, and the arson at two abandoned buildings December last year.

Martinez was first discovered on Tilden Street after a female resident there noticed her screen door was missing some time around midnight. She called her husband and police. When her husband arrived, he caught sight of something strange.

"He noticed a silhouette of a male subject dressed in complete black standing by his back fence. He stopped the vehicle, made contact with the individual, and the individual ran down the alley where he hid behind a trash can," DuBose said.

Martinez fled again shortly thereafter after being confronted by another resident, according to DuBose. Police gave chase and eventually apprehended Martinez on the corner of Margaret and Fifth streets.

Kenedy Police Officer Jeremy Stevens and DPS Trooper Al Alejos made the arrest.

"There was other evidence taken at the scene that we believe links him to other burglaries around town," DuBose explained.

Martinez has family in Kenedy, but claims residence in Corpus Christi, according to DuBose.

He remained in custody at the Karnes County Jail as of press time Tuesday. Martinez is charged with one count of evading arrest or detention, one count of burglary of a building, and three counts of burglary of a habitation. His bond is set at $502,000.

"Other charges are going to be filed," DuBose said.