Man Wanted for Theft Arrested After Recognized in Patch Article

Robert Allen Oxendine, 49, was arraigned in 52-2 District Court Thursday on several charges stemming from a series of thefts from cars that stretched from White Lake to Rochester Hills.

Oxendine, an Auburn Hills resident, was arrested by police Tuesday after a White Lake Patch reader recognized a photo taken from security cameras at a local store. Oxendine used credit cards at that store taken from a theft in White Lake on Jan. 16, according to .

Lt. Don Nankervis said Oxendine has an extensive criminal history. Oxendine was formally charged Thursday with one count of felony breaking and entering of a vehicle, one count of felony identity theft, and three counts of felony retaining stolen credit cards. Nankervis said additional charges are pending from other police agencies where Oxendine is accused of similar crimes.

Oxendine is being held on a $25,000 cash bond and currently being lodged in Oakland County Jail.

Nankervis said he and the department credit White Lake Patch and Rochester Patch readers for the arrest. An article asking the public for help identifying Oxendine in a .

"We received a call the Monday after the article was published from a woman who recognized him," Nankervis said. Through further investigation, police were able to locate Oxendine and bring him in for questioning. He was wanted in White Lake for the Jan. 16 breaking and entering of a vehicle parked at a local church. A purse was taken from the car and Oxendine was caught on surveillance using credit cards taken from the vehicle to purchase items.

For questions about this crime report, email brooke.meier@patch.com.