Burglary suspect blames snow pants for arrest

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Des Moines police say a burglary suspect thinks there’s a good reason he was caught: His bulky snow pants slowed him down.

Police arrested Martin Thicklen Thursday following a car and foot chase. A woman had earlier reported that Thicklen burglarized her house.

Police reports say the woman confronted Thicklen outside the house before he rammed his truck past her car and fled. His car later hit a power pole and Thicklen was arrested on foot.

Police say the 49-year-old Thicklen later told them he would have run faster if he wasn’t wearing his thick snow pants.

The Des Moines Register reports Thicklen’s charges include second-degree burglary, driving while suspended and reckless driving. He remains in the Polk County Jail.

Online records do not list an attorney for him.