Latest allegation against Tarzan suspect: Stealing from state office building
A Huntington Beach man who authorities said claimed to be Tarzan as he swung from trees this month at the Santa Ana Zoo is suspected of trying to enter a government building the same day by posing as a worker, and then stealing equipment from the building the next morning.
John William Rodenborn, 37, later was arrested by Costa Mesa police on suspicion of stealing an iPhone from a closed art gallery.
He also could face up to life in prison if convicted in an armed robbery at a Westminster gas station in April.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Rodenborn used a dirty uniform stolen from a locker room to pose as a worker at a state office building near the Santa Ana Civic Center on Aug. 4. He tried three times to pass as a “building architect,” CHP Officer Florentino Olivera said.
Rodenborn was turned away and police were called each time, but officers arrived after he had left, according to Olivera.
The same day, Rodenborn was arrested at the Santa Ana Zoo on suspicion of methamphetamine possession. Police said he was shirtless and screaming that he was Tarzan.
Authorities allege that Rodenborn and another man got into the state building early Aug. 5 by telling a security guard that they were inspectors, Olivera said.
Building managers believe Rodenborn used a key card intended for emergency use by fire officials to access multiple floors, Olivera said.
“Mr. Rodenborn and the unknown black male made their way to the fifth floor and between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. stole electronic equipment with a total estimated loss of over $5,000,” Olivera said.
On Aug. 6, Costa Mesa police chased and arrested Rodenborn in connection with the stolen iPhone.
“While in custody in Costa Mesa, a CHP investigator interviewed Mr. Rodenborn and determined he was the suspect in the state building burglary,” Olivera said.
Rodenborn is being held at Orange County Jail with bail set at more than $1 million, according to jail records.
He has a criminal history that includes two convictions for residential burglary and one for vehicle theft between 1999 and 2006, according to the Orange County district attorney’s office.