SIOUX FALLS (AP) -- Sioux Falls police say that a man who reported he'd been attacked with a knife while trying to run down a burglar was actually the burglar himself.
Fifty-six-year-old Patrick James Brosnan is charged with second-degree burglary, intentional damage to property and third-degree petty theft. Also charged was Brosnan's girlfriend, 47-year-old Danette Ann Patton.
According to media reports, Brosnan's neighbor called police about 5:30 p.m. Saturday to report a stolen laptop computer from a West Ninth Street apartment. The burglar apparently cut a screen and broke a window to get in.
Police spokesman Sam Clemens says that Brosnan had cuts on his arms that piqued officers' suspicion. Brosnan allegedly explained he'd been cut as he chased the knife-wielding thief.
However, police say they found the laptop in Brosnan's garage.
