HOUSTON -- A man accused of burglarizing department stores in three different states, including two in Houston, has been arrested, KPRC Local 2 reported Wednesday.

Investigators said the burglaries were well planned with the thieves going in and out undetected. They escaped with millions in jewelry and other merchandise.

But, they left behind a calling card that Pasadena detective Michael Cooper recognized immediately.

"When we went in, we looked at it. We were like, 'This is him. It's gotta be him. He's gotta be back," Cooper said.

The burglars came in through the roof, used tools to disable the security alarm, then took select merchandise that could be easily fenced, such as jewelry and jeans.

Cooper said he immediately recognized it as the work of Ricky Orlando Garcia, who has a long record.

Pasadena police arrested him for previous burglaries in 2002.

"This guy really believes he's the best burglar ever," Cooper said.

Police said they believe Garcia masterminded the burglaries of JC Penney stores in Pasadena and Rosenberg, as well as one in Indiana and two in Louisiana.

After the Pasadena store was hit on July 3, Cooper began looking for Garcia.

"We got a lucky break when Louisiana did a newscast, a Crime Stoppers deal right after they had theirs back to back. A Crime Stopper tip came in and provided a location where a guy matching that description sold some brand new jewelry," he said.

It took two months, but investigators found Garcia at his home in north Houston on Tuesday night.

Investigators said they recovered stolen loot from the three burglaries totaling at least $2 million, maybe more.

Garcia is being held at the Pasadena Police Department. Charges are pending.

Investigators said Garcia had four accomplices who are still on the loose.

Police in San Marcos and Dallas also want to talk to Garcia about some burglaries in those areas.