Burglar Leapt From Second-Story Window to Escape Officers, Police Say

A man already on probation for burglary broke into a home Shrewsbury, police said. The man jumped from a second-story window in an attempt to escape police Tuesday after a neighbor called police.

Matvey Kovalenko, 27, of the 1300 block of Hickory Hill in Arnold, was charged Tuesday with second-degree burglary, felony theft and resisting arrest.

Shrewsbury Police said Kovalenko entered the home in the in the 7700 block of Arlington Avenue in Shrewsbury at about 8:51 a.m. Thursday, but a neighbor spotted him and called 911.

When police arrived, Kovalenko was still in the house, and jumped from second-story window to escape. When he hit the ground, officers ordered him to lie still. Instead, he began running away, but was caught. He also refused to put his hands behind his back, and it took two officers to handcuff Kovalenko.

Police said Kovalenko had stolen a gold high school class ring, a strand of pearls and other jewelry, valued at more than $1,000.

Kovalenko was on probation after pleading guilty Nov. 29 to a burglary in University City.

He is being held in the St. Louis County Justice Center. Bail was set at $100,000, cash only.