Burglar sent to prison boot camp

A 20-year-old Topaz Ranch Estates man charged with five burglaries is headed for the state's regimental discipline program for youthful offenders in lieu of prison.

District Judge Michael Gibbons approved Bradley Stribling's request Monday for the sentence deferral and warned him how tough the six-month program is.

"It's not easy," Gibbons said. "Probably the last five people who went have failed it."

If Stribling is unsuccessful, he faces up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine for felony burglary.

He admitted breaking into personal vehicles of firefighters and paramedics at the Topaz Ranch Estates fire station on Oct. 12-13.

Lawyer Tod Young said Stribling sent apologies to the victims.

"I hope you are sincere," Gibbons said. "You put a lot of burden on yourself to live up to."

Gibbons said he had doubts because of Stribling's juvenile record and attitude.

"You have to have total commitment," the judge said.

Gibbons said none of the victims wanted Stribling to go to prison.

If Stribling successfully completes the boot camp run by Nevada Department of Corrections, he will be brought back for sentencing with a recommendation for probation.

Deputies responded late Oct. 12 to Topaz Station 4 on Albite Road where personnel had reportedly caught Stribling burglarizing a pickup truck.

They were holding the door shut to the camper shell to keep the suspect inside.

The paramedics detaining Stribling checked their own vehicles and found items missing which later turned up in a truck parked at a nearby bar, and the suspect's home.

They included fire axes and four camping chairs.

Deputies searched Stribling's home and recovered duffel bags, a sleeping bag, first aid kits, cooler with first aid items, fire blanket, balaclava, cell phone, Nintendo DS, two DVD players, Sirius radio receiver, and East Fork Fire and Paramedic districts clothing, all belonging to paramedics.

He was accused of five vehicle burglaries over two days. One paramedic was victimized twice, according to reports.

Stribling has been in Douglas County Jail for two months.

He will spend one month in Nevada State Prison before he is sent to the discipline program.