DNA helps police solve burglary case

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) – Cranston Police arrested a man for allegedly committing a burglary in February, thanks to DNA collected from the crime scene.

William Cosper, 34, of Cranston allegedly broke into a home on Farmington Avenue on February 10.

Police tell Eyewitness News that Cosper broke in through a kitchen window and stole two television sets, an external computer hard drive and a gold chain, all totaling nearly $1,500.

In September, the Rhode Island Department of Health Forensic Biological Unit indicated they were able to develop a DNA profile from a glove left behind at the crime scene.

The DNA profile was entered into an indexing database and on October 9, investigators were advised that the profile provided matched Cospers.

Cranston Police along with Providence Police arrested Cosper after obtaining an arrest warrant.

He is charged with breaking and entering into a dwelling house without consent and his being held on $2,000 surety bail.

He’s due back in court in December.