ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) – An Ithaca man is accused of stealing from a business.

On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, Tompkins County Sheriff’s deputies patrolled the 600 block of Elmira Road after recent reports of thefts and burglaries in and around the area. They say a suspicious person emerged from the back of a building and fled on foot when they attempted to speak with him.

The man crossed Elmira Road and ran down Brewery Lane into a heavily wooded area, eventually jumping into and swimming across a pond to elude authorities. After a lengthy search, 35-year-old Michael Thomas was taken into custody in the 800 block of State Route 13A. Thomas was taken to Cayuga Medical Center for treatment and released to the custody of the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office.

Thomas, who is on parole for similar crimes, is charged with felony burglary, felony criminal possession of stolen property, and misdemeanor possession of burglar’s tools. He’s being held in Tompkins County Jail without bail.

The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by the NYS Park Police; NYSP; Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office; Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response; and Bangs Ambulance.