Police: 'Cat Burglar' Arrested, Suspected In Home Invasions Across Metro Detroit

DETROIT (WWJ) - A Detroit man who police believe is responsible for a series of "cat burglaries" across metro Detroit has been arrested following an extensive investigation.

Derek Lamont Cathey, 53, was taken into custody by Livonia police on Monday shortly after they say he committed a stealthy home invasion in Dearborn.

The investigation, however, began back on July 21 when Cathey was identified by detectives as a suspect in a crime on Weyher Street in Livonia. Police say a couple was asleep, between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. when a laptop and purse were stolen from their home.

At that time, Livonia police placed Cathey under surveillance, following him over the next several days as he allegedly cased residential neighborhoods in Madison Heights, Royal Oak, Warren, Dearborn Heights and Dearborn.

At around 4 a.m. on Monday, detectives believed Cathey had entered a Dearborn residence. When he ran to his vehicle and fled the area, surveillance officers followed Cathey into Garden City, where he was stopped and found to be in possession of a purse that belonged to a Dearborn woman who was asleep in her home.

Livonia officers turned Cathey over to the Dearborn Police Department. He was arraigned in 20th District Court on charges of home invasion and habitual offender.

Police said Cathey has "an extensive criminal history" dating back to 1979 — including several previous cat burglary-style home invasions.

Meantime, Livonia Police Capt. Robert Nenciarini said an investigation is ongoing as detectives try to link Cathey to other cat burglaries. He said they're currently building a case for charges in the Weyher Street robbery.

Cathey remains jailed on a $250,000 bond awaiting his next court date set for Friday, Aug. 12.