West Palm Beach Police Put Serial Burglar Behind Bars

Published on March 03, 2026

West Palm Beach Police Put Serial Burglar Behind Bars

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (March 3, 2026) — The West Palm Beach Police Department has arrested a serial burglary suspect responsible for a string of crimes in the city’s Southend.

Adrian M. Bernal, 47, was identified by detectives as the suspect in at least six residential and vehicle burglaries. Officers recognized Bernal who was captured on surveillance video during multiple incidents.

Bernal was taken into custody on February 27. He faces the following felony and misdemeanor charges:

• Burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, unarmed (F.S. 810.02(4)(b))
• Grand theft, $750 to $5,000 (F.S. 812.014(2)(c)1.)
• Failure to appear (F.S. 843.15(1)(b))
• Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill (F.S. 784.021(1)(a))
• Petit theft with two or more prior convictions (F.S. 812.014(3)(c))
• Two counts of burglary of an occupied dwelling, unarmed (F.S. 810.02(3)(a))
• Burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, unarmed (F.S. 810.02(3)(b))
• Grand theft, $750 to $5,000 (F.S. 812.014(2)(c)1.)

“This arrest is the result of outstanding police work and the coordinated efforts of multiple officers and investigators who remained focused on identifying, locating, and apprehending this suspect,” said West Palm Beach Chief of Police Tony Araujo. “This is the kind of proactive, thorough policing that puts criminals behind bars and keeps our community safe. I’m proud of the teamwork and commitment demonstrated throughout this investigation.”

Bernal has an extensive criminal history spanning nearly three decades.

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Rachel Leitão

Public Information Officer

pdpio@wpb.org