Burglary Suspect Caught, Released, Now Wanted Again

The following information was supplied by the . It does not indicate a conviction where an arrest was made.

Town and Country police are actively searching for Nicholas Blackwell, 30, of the 12300 block of Summerhouse in Maryland Heights.

Town and Country Police Captain Gary Hoelzer tells Patch that Blackwell is wanted in connection with recent burglaries on Conway Hill and Conway Village. He is also a suspect in a prowling incident on Mason Estates Court last week.

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Hoelzer said Blackwell was initially in Town and Country police custody Saturday, but was released pending an additional investigation.

"There were a number of agencies who wanted Blackwell. Maryland Heights, then Kirkwood and then we were third in line to get him, so we interviewed him Saturday," Hoelzer explained. "We only have 24 hours to hold someone, complete an investigation and get warrants and we just could not do it in 24 hours, so we had to release him to  the next agency, St. Louis city police, so they could pursue their own charges."

Blackwell was eventually released by St. Louis police. However, since Town and Country police interviewed him, Hoelzer said they have gathered more evidence and have issued another "wanted" alert for Blackwell.

"With the additional information we gathered, we are seeking his arrest. He is actively wanted again by Town and Country," Hoezler tells Town and Country - Manchester Patch.

Although Blackwell is wanted for both burglaries, one while residents were home asleep, he is not charged with either crime at this time. Hoelzer said that once Blackwell is back in custody, police will apply for warrants on both burglaries, once charge first degree burglary for Conway Hill and one charge of second degree burglary for Conway Village.

Police also warn residents to keep doors locked, now and even after Blackwell is back in custody, because thieves have entered homes through unlocked doors in recent residential burglaries.

Hoelzer also advises residents of a recent theft on Saturday, between 8:45 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. at 1850 De La Salle Drive at . Police said a window was broken out and a purse was stolen from a car parked in the school parking lot. Blackwell was in custody at the time of that crime and is not a suspect, Hoelzer tells Patch.

*Please contact Local Editor Gabrielle Biondo with any questions regarding the above reports.