Man Suspected Of Breaking Into Apartment To Steal Prescription Drugs

A man is accused of breaking into a unit at Mentor Park Apartments on Mentor Avenue Friday afternoon so he could steal Tramadol, a prescription opiate.

A resident saw a man sneaking into an apartment's rear window and called police, Mentor Police Lt. Tom Powers said.

Officers arrived as John Ward, 23, was leaving the apartment with the Tramadol. Police arrested him and charged him with burglary.

Police believe that Ward used to live in the apartment complex, but they don't know if he knew the tenant who lived in the unit he broke into, Powers said.

Officers are also investigating to see if Ward was involved in another break-in that happened at Mentor Park Apartments last week, Powers said.

Judge John Trebets arraigned Ward Monday morning in . The judge set Ward's bond at $100,000, which was not posted.

Ward's next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.

If convicted of burglary, Ward could face between two and eight years in prison.

The following arrest information was supplied by the Mentor Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. For questions about this story, email jason.lea@patch.com.