Dale A. Erxleben, 48, of Arnold has been accused of breaking into a closed Arnold hotel, causing damage and stealing items two years ago. Arnold Police are trying to identify another man who was with Erxleben during the alleged burglary, Lt. Jeremy Christopher said on April 22.
Erxleben has been charged with felony first-degree burglary and first-degree property damage. He was arrested on April 21, and as of April 22, he was being held on a $5,000 bond at the Jefferson County Jail in Hillsboro, court records show.
According to a probable-cause statement filed by the Arnold Police, Erxleben and the other man allegedly forced open a door at about 1 a.m. Nov. 30, 2024, at the Quality Inn hotel, 3610 W. Outer Road. The hotel was closed at that time, and the two left the building at about 5 a.m.
The two men allegedly damaged a vending machine, washer and dryer while trying to pry the machines open to remove money from them and two security cameras. They also allegedly stole a television and three air conditioning units, the report said.
The cost to repair the damage was approximately $7,900, and the stolen items were estimated to be worth a combined $3,700, according to the report.
While officers were at the hotel that morning, Erxleben was seen driving a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze on the parking lot. Officers stopped Erxleben and took photos of him and the car before releasing him, the report said.
Erxleben was later identified after investigators reviewed surveillance video, according to the report.
Christopher said the other man was wearing a camouflage jacket, a black hooded sweater underneath the jacket, a red bandana face mask, blue jean pants and black shoes with white bottoms. He described the other man in the video as having an average build and height.