Sheriff arrests burglary suspect in countywide investigation
Ryan Michael Coats, 27.
Detectives linked the suspect to burglaries in Cambria, Cayucos, San Simeon, and Templeton
– San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested a Morro Bay and Lompoc man on Wednesday in connection with a series of commercial burglaries that occurred throughout San Luis Obispo County.
Ryan Michael Coats, 27, was arrested June 10 at about 6:15 p.m. on four felony burglary charges and one count of attempted burglary, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives with the Major Crimes Unit said their investigation identified a series of commercial burglaries that began in April and occurred in Cambria, Cayucos, San Simeon, and Templeton.
Businesses affected by the burglaries included the San Simeon Post Office, Artifacts Gallery, McLean Jewelry, and Upscale Resale.
Detectives served search warrants at locations in Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo, where they recovered evidence connected to several burglaries, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
At the time of his arrest, Coats was allegedly in possession of stolen property connected to a commercial burglary that had occurred earlier the same day in San Luis Obispo.
Investigators said they also believe Coats is associated with numerous burglaries outside San Luis Obispo County.
The investigation determined that Coats was out on bail in connection with a separate burglary investigation being conducted by the Morro Bay Police Department at the time of his arrest.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Coats has prior felony convictions in Santa Barbara County for possession of a stolen vehicle in 2019, assault with a deadly weapon in 2020, and grand theft in 2022.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information related to the case can contact the Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at (805) 781-4500.
