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Columbia Missourian

Burglar gives cops best lead: his name

By The Associated Press
July 31, 2009 | 2:20 p.m. CDT

ST. LOUIS — A Festus man accused of breaking into a home gave police most of what they needed to catch him — his name. Spelled out.

Police said they believe 19-year-old Robert Gabler forced his way into a home in Arnold on July 22. He has been charged with first-degree burglary.

Four young men inside told police that Gabler forced his way in, announced his name and spelled it before threatening to harm them. They were able to force him out.

Police said they believe he targeted the home thinking the four were involved with the stabbing of his friend hours before.

Police told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch the case would have been hard to crack if the suspect had not provided his name.