Discovery of a pillow led deputies to crack a series of vehicle prowl cases on Central Whidbey, according to court documents.

The suspect, Andrew W. Tibbles, 24, of Anacortes, is accused of breaking into as many as 15 vehicles and stealing items on the night of July 24, 2012.

Prosecutors charged Tibbles in Island County Superior Court April 1 with two counts of identity theft in the second degree, possession of heroin and vehicle prowling in the second degree.

Deputies with the Island County Sheriff’s Office investigated a series of thefts from cars in the Coupeville area on July 25.

At the same time, a couple of other deputies responded to a report of an abandoned car on Keystone Hill Road. But when they arrived they found Tibbles, who was being sought on a warrant issued in Skagit County.

Deputies said they noticed that the car was filled with items partially covered with clothes.

A “memory foam” pillow was on the front passenger seat.

Deputies said they remembered that a pillow was reportedly among items stolen during the car prowls. They asked the owner of the pillow to drive over to Tibbles’ car and identify it.

Deputy Lane Campbell then interviewed Tibbles, who admitted to entering “10 to 12 vehicles” the night before and stealing items, including a pillow and electronics.

He said he parked his vehicle and walked through the neighborhood, looking for unlocked cars, according to Campbell’s report.

Tibbles said he was unemployed and living in his car for two weeks. He said he shot up heroin after stealing

The deputy obtained a warrant to search the car.

Numerous stolen items were found, as well as a bag containing suspected heroin, according to the report.

They stole items were logged, photographed and returned to their owners.