ELKHART — A man believed to have stolen at least six gumball machines since October has found himself in a sticky situation — under arrest.

Police arrested 38-year-old Michael Tarnecy of Elkhart Monday at his residence. Police took a description of the van he was believed to have driven in the Nov. 12 gumball machine theft to Grandma’s Pancake House, 3709 S. Main St.

Tarnecy was also found to be in possession of .3 grams of crack cocaine. The cases have been sent to the Elkhart County prosecutor’s office for further review.

Tarnecy reportedly admitted to stealing the gumball machine, estimated at $2,500, from Grandma’s Pancake House.

Authorities believe the man also may have stolen machines from Kik Custom Products, 1919 Superior St., on Oct. 3; Calahan’s Restaurant, 2917 Cassopolis St., on Oct. 9; Martin’s Super Markets, 3267 Northview Drive, on Nov. 4; Speedwash, 2701 S. Main St., on Nov. 8; Taquiria Tijuana, 800 Prairie St., on Nov. 8.

Pieces of the bubble gun machines were found in the residence, said Elkhart police Lt. Ed Windbigler.

Police believe another man could be involved in some of the thefts.

Tarnecy's motive was to steal the money from the gumball machines, which can contain up to $100, Windbigler said.

Windbigler said police have recovered at least three other machines as of last week, which were missing the money. Some of them still had the gumballs inside.