Deputies: 'Wheelbarrow Burglar' targets homes near Detroit Lake

DETROIT LAKE, Ore. – Marion County sheriff’s deputies are looking for a serial burglar who they said broke into several vacation homes in the Detroit Lake area and lived in them for days at a time.

The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Billie Jo Shrader, took showers, ate food and drank liquor that he found in the homes, according to sheriff’s office spokesman Don Thomson. He also stole camping gear, blankets and clothes when he left. Deputies dubbed Shrader the “Wheelbarrow Burglar” because they said he used a wheelbarrow to haul away the stolen items.

Shrader, a transient, targeted homes with no alarm systems, Thomson said. He broke windows and pried doors open to get inside.

Six burglaries were reported at vacation homes in the area in the last week, but Thomson said it’s unclear when they occurred.

On Oct. 28, a Rod Jones arrived at his cabin in Idanha on the North Santiam Highway when he discovered a man, later identified as Shrader, lying naked in his bedroom. The homeowner confronted Shrader, who quickly put on clothes and ran away. Jones took a cell phone photo of Shrader and found a Curry County Jail inmate identification card that he left behind, Thomson said.

"It concerns you when someone's in your house and especially when he headed toward Laurie, my wife," Jones said. "We're a little more prepared when we go up there now."

The card and photo helped deputies identify Shrader. He is described as a white man who is 5’9’’ tall and weighs about 190 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen with a full beard.

Thomson said Shrader has a history of burglary and trespassing and is wanted in Curry County for parole violation.

Deputies don’t know if Shrader has a car.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of Detroit Lake to watch out for Shrader. Anyone who sees him is asked to call 9-1-1.