Pocatello, Idaho Pair Faces Felony Theft Charges After Property Owner Catches Them Raiding His Trailer Twice in One Night
Two Pocatello men are facing felony grand theft charges after police say they broke into a man’s trailer in the early morning hours of Sunday, stealing more than $10,000 worth of tools before returning to the same property in an attempt to steal more — only to be caught and physically detained by the property owner himself.
Kyle Ray Alexy, 37, and Justin K. Guinn, 52, have each been charged with one felony count of grand theft, according to police and court records obtained by the Idaho State Journal. Prosecutors have also filed notice that they intend to seek a persistent violator enhancement against both men based on prior felony convictions — a move that could significantly increase potential sentencing if they are convicted.
What Happened on Bridger Street
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed in 6th District Court, Pocatello police were dispatched around 5:30 a.m. Sunday to a residence on Bridger Street following a report of a burglary in progress. Officers arrived to find the property owner had already detained Alexy at the scene.
The victim told police that the two suspects had visited his property twice that night. During their first visit, the men allegedly took a Milwaukee brand toolbox containing over $10,000 in tools from his trailer. The owner discovered the theft after returning home to find his truck doors open and the toolbox gone. He searched the surrounding area but was unable to locate the suspects.
A short time later, the owner’s dogs began to bark. Looking outside, he spotted the same two men back at his trailer, this time attempting to steal his air compressor. He confronted them directly. Guinn fled the scene, but the owner was able to physically restrain Alexy until officers arrived.
When police interviewed Alexy, he stated that Guinn had originally invited him out to go dumpster diving. According to the affidavit, Alexy told officers that while searching for dumpsters, Guinn spotted the owner’s trailer and suggested they take some tools. Alexy claimed he did not see Guinn take the toolbox and was unaware he had left with it. He said that after Guinn dropped the toolbox at Alexy’s residence, Guinn proposed they return to the trailer to steal additional items — at which point the owner confronted them.
Guinn was later located at Alexy’s residence and interviewed separately. He confirmed the dumpster diving story but told police it was Alexy who had stolen the toolbox, contradicting Alexy’s account. Guinn acknowledged the pair returned to the trailer to take more property before being confronted by the owner.
Arraignment, Bond, and What’s Next for the Case
Both men were arrested and booked into the Bannock County Jail on burglary charges. They appeared before 6th District Magistrate Judge David A. Hooste for arraignment hearings on Monday. Guinn’s bond was set at $10,000 and Alexy’s at $2,500. Both are scheduled to return to court on April 28 for preliminary hearings.
At those hearings, prosecutors will work to present sufficient evidence to elevate the cases from magistrate court to district court for trial. The persistent violator enhancement sought by prosecutors — based on each man’s prior felony history — underscores the ongoing challenge law enforcement and the courts face with repeat offenders cycling through the justice system.
The case is the latest in a series of property crime incidents drawing attention in Pocatello. Bannock County residents concerned about repeat criminal activity may also recall a recent SWAT operation in Pocatello that resulted in seven arrests following a high-risk search warrant, and the arrests of two Pocatello sex offenders who failed to update their registry — both examples of local law enforcement working to hold repeat and violent offenders accountable.
What Comes Next
Alexy and Guinn are each scheduled for preliminary hearings on April 28 in 6th District Court. If prosecutors successfully present probable cause at those hearings, both cases will be bound over to district court for trial. The persistent violator enhancements, if upheld, could result in substantially elevated penalties for both men upon conviction. Bannock County News will continue to monitor court proceedings as this case moves forward.