A search for a suspect turned into a comical game of hide and seek after Portland police officers discovered the alleged burglar hiding himself in a wooden trunk.

The arrest, which took place on January 30, concluded a pursuit that began during an ice storm earlier in the month, when the suspect, identified as 54-year-old Jack Kowalski, allegedly stole items from multiple individuals.

According to a statement posted by the Portland Police Bureau Central Bike Squad on Instagram, officers obtained a search warrant for Kowalski’s residence following reports of a burglary committed during the hazardous conditions of the ice storm.

With the assistance of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Tigard Police Department, the officers executed the warrant at an apartment in Tigard, roughly ten miles southwest of downtown Portland.

During the search, officers came across a wooden trunk concealed under blankets in the bedroom. 

Acting on suspicion, they opened the trunk to find Kowalski crouching inside. Additionally, authorities discovered a firearm within the apartment premises.

“Stolen property from the burglary was located in the apartment, as well as additional suspected stolen property and a firearm,” stated the Central Precinct patrol officers in the Instagram post. “The suspect, Jack Kowalski, aged 54, had an outstanding warrant for Burglary II.”

Kowalski was subsequently taken into custody and booked into county jail on charges including burglary in the first degree, felon in possession of a firearm, aggravated theft and criminal mischief.

Following Kowalski’s arrest, authorities ensured that the stolen property was returned to its rightful owners.

As of February 1, authorities had not responded to requests for further information from news outlets.