Willow Springs man arrested for burglary

Police have identified and charged a suspect in the Jan. 2 burglary of a Willow Springs business. Uriy Dudko, 25, of Willow Springs, faces one charge of second-degree burglary.

Court documents say Officer Jake Cronin of the Willow Springs Police Department responded to an alarm at C&R Gun and Pawn on Willow Rd. at 4:27 a.m. on Jan 2. 

Officer Cronin observed pry marks on more than one point of entry, but no one inside.

Once the business arrived, they confirmed nothing had been stolen and there was no additional damage.

A review of the security camera footage revealed an unidentified white male subject who could be seen making entry to the business, running to look at a locked display of firearms, and then quickly exiting. The subject could be seen exiting the parking lot in a small silver SUV at a high rate of speed. 

Police posted a still of the surveillance footage on social media, and later in the day, Howell County Sheriff's Deputies positively identified the male subject as Dudko. Deputies arrested Dudko and placed him on a 24-hour hold.

Officer Cronin interviewed Dudko at the Howell County Sheriff's Office on Jan. 3. According to the probable cause statement, Dudko denied any involvement in the burglary and stated he had been home in bed at the time of the break-in.

Formal charges were filed on January 3, and Dudko's arrest warrant was served the same day. His bond is $10,000. There are no court dates scheduled in this matter as of press time. 

Owners of C&R Gun and Pawn Chris and Rachel Wood said they were "very honored by the quick response of the Willow PD and the overwhelming support of our community. We are very thankful for each and every one of you."