A 16-time convicted burglar is back in jail this morning, accused of burglarizing two more businesses less than 48 hours after being released from prison. In addition to his 16 burglary convictions, Vance Patton, 58, has been sentenced to prison for four other offenses.
Patton was released from Graham Correctional Center in Hillsboro on Thursday, March 20, according to state records. According to authorities, by daylight on Saturday, he had traveled 227 miles (ca. 365 km) to Chicago, procured gloves and a face covering, and committed two more break-ins in the Beverly neighborhood.
According to police, Patton was caught on film hurling a brick through a storage facility glass in the 1900 block of West 95th Street and grabbing $1 from the cash register. He then walked across the street and hurled a brick through the front window of Flippin Flavors, 1848 West 95th Street, stealing five drinks from the cooler, according to his arrest record.
Officers scoured the area and discovered Patton after a neighbor contacted 911 to report a suspicious man in their backyard. CPD said he had five cans of cold drink in his backpack: two ginger ales, one Pepsi, and an orange Crush. Cops also found a black face covering and gloves.
Prosecutors urged Judge Susana Ortiz to detain Patton, but she denied their request. Instead, she said Patton may go home with an ankle monitor while awaiting trial on the new allegations. However, he will be unable to return home immediately. The state is attempting to revoke his parole, so he may be returning to prison for a long time.
According to court records, Patton’s most recent burglary charges were in 2021 for breaking into a Dunkin’ Donuts and a soul food restaurant in Gresham. He was also on parole at the time of the crimes, according to CPD records.
Patton was found guilty of two counts of felony criminal damage in 2023, possession of a stolen car in 1988, and violating a bail bond in 1988.
His previous 16 prison sentences were for burglary in 2021, 2016, 2011, 2007, 2002, 1997, 1995, and 1988.