Alaska troopers bag 'underwear bandit' suspect

KODIAK, Alaska, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Alaska State Troopers said they have arrested an 18-year-old suspected of being the "underwear bandit" responsible for a series of burglaries.

Investigators said troopers responding to a report of a home invasion about 11:18 a.m. Monday in Kodiak found Ryan Cornelio fleeing the scene.

Cornelio was identified as a suspect in a string of seven burglaries in the area stretching back months. The burglaries led troopers to warn residents "various items such as women's underwear" had been "stolen or rifled through" in the area.

Cornelio, who troopers said is also suspected of being behind three attempted break-ins in the area, was charged with three counts of first-degree burglary. Investigators said more charges are likely as the investigation continues.

The culprit was nicknamed the "underwear bandit" by one victim.

"I can't believe there is an actual underwear bandit," said Hannah Clark, whose home was burglarized while she was out fishing during the summer.