Man arrested for Christmas eve burglary, pickup theft

Petersburg police this week arrested a man living at the Narrows Inn and he’s being held in connection with a Christmas Eve break-in and theft.

37-year-old Neil Ray Hacker, formerly of Missouri, is facing 12 counts of burglary and theft in the first degree, theft in the second degree and first degree vehicle theft. All are class B and C felonies.
A criminal complaint alleges Hacker broke into a warehouse at 215 Hungerford Hill belonging to the Hofstad family December 24th. The complaint alleges Hacker stole a pickup truck, vehicle parts, tools and nine guns. Hacker had a felony first hearing on the charges Tuesday before judge magistrate Desi Burrell.

He was appointed a public defender and did not yet enter a plea to the charges. District attorney James Scott asked for a high bail amount, arguing Hacker was a flight risk, had a criminal history in Missouri and was a danger to the community. His bail was set at 10-thousand dollars, which could be reduced in a subsequent hearing. Hacker told the court he would not be able to pay that bail amount and would remain in custody.

His next hearing is scheduled for January 8th. Charges are pending against another suspect believed to be involved in the crimes.