Masked Intruder Arrested in Downtown St. Albans Commercial Burglaries

ST ALBANS — A masked intruder faces multiple charges after being apprehended in the act of burglarizing downtown commercial businesses in St. Albans early Wednesday morning.

The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Brian Lair of Colchester, was arrested on March 25, 2026, following a series of break-ins targeting local downtown establishments. Officers responded to alarms at Danform Shoes and subsequently traced the intruder's movement to the 14th Star Brewing Company. Police officers arrived at the scene and conducted a search of the premises, eventually locating Lair, who was wearing a mask, hiding inside the brewery. He was taken into custody without further incident.

According to St. Albans Police investigators, Lair is a repeat offender with an extensive criminal record, which includes 36 prior felony arrests. Following his arrest inside the brewery, Lair is facing fresh charges of burglary, unlawful mischief, and possession of burglar's tools. Court proceedings are expected to begin later this week as prosecutors seek to hold the suspect in custody due to his extensive history of repeat offenses.