Accused Serial Edmond Burglary Suspect Released By Police After Saying He Had Coronavirus Symptoms

The Edmond Police Department and the Oklahoma County jail officials are taking all precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 that a serial burglary suspect was let go on Wednesday after being arrested.

Edmond police arrested Nicholas Leach, 39, on Wednesday after an officer suspected Leach was in the process of burglarizing the China King restaurant near Danforth and Kelley Avenue.

Leach told the officer he was experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and his brother had the disease.

An officer was patrolling near the restaurant when he saw a suspicious empty car parked in an alley behind the closed restaurant. The officer noticed the way a power box was tampered with matched the MO of a serial burglar they were looking for. The officer found Leach walking in the parking lot. He told the officer he was a Postmates driver and broke down.

“He did state he had COVID symptoms,” said Emily Ward, Edmond Police Department. “Our officers took our precautions. One thing our officers will be doing or are doing now is putting a mask over anyone they put in the back of their vehicle.”

Edmond police cruisers all have plastic seats and dividers that can also be cleaned down and disinfected. 

Due to the Oklahoma County Jail’s COVID-19 protocols, Leach was immediately released. He faced multiple out-of-custody burglary complaints along with drug complaints.