The Newman Police Department’s search for a suspect dubbed the Croc Bandit, for his footwear, came to a conclusion on March 22 when the suspect turned himself in.

The suspect, identified as James Pezel, 51, of Newman, was wanted for stealing multiple recyclables out of a backyard, all of which was caught on camera and later posted to social media.

At 10:12 p.m. on March 20, Pezel allegedly entered the backyard of a residence in the 700 block of Balsam Drive and took a barrel and recyclables from the yard. He returned at 12:32 a.m. on March 21 and removed additional recyclables from the yard.

The victim in this case estimated the recyclables to be worth approximately $13 and the barrel to be approximately $100 in value.

The police department posted the camera footage on social media and received numerous tips to the suspect’s identity. Pezel was encouraged to turn himself in by his family and friends after the post started circulating on social media.

On March 22, Pezel flagged down a Newman police officer to turn himself in. With the passage of Proposition 36, and prior theft convictions, Pezel was arrested for the felony charge of theft with prior convictions.