Published: August 29, 2008 12:44 pm         

Police seek culprit in business burglaries

Three businesses struck same night in two counties

Police in two counties would like the public’s help in identifying the person they believe broke into at least three businesses on Thursday.

Investigators with the Flora Police Department, Burlington Town Marshal’s office, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and Cass County Sheriff’s Department are continuing their efforts to catch the man they believe forced entry into businesses in Flora, Burlington and Young America.

Flora Police Chief Paul Redmon advised that sometime around 2:15 a.m. Thursday, a white male threw a rock through a window of the Spirit of Flora convenience store to gain entry.

Based on information gathered from the store’s video surveillance, the culprit was in the store for less than 20 seconds. He took only the store’s cash register, which reportedly contained no cash. No other merchandise was reported missing.

Redmon said that police were able to obtain a description of the individual through the store’s video camera.

Police say the crime in Flora appears to have been committed by the same individual who broke into the Burlington Maramont.

Carroll County Sheriff’s Detective Kevin Hammond said that someone threw a rock through a front window of the business about 2:30 a.m. Thursday. Surveillance footage revealed that the culprit fit the description of the Flora business burglar.

The culprit tampered with the store’s Hoosier Lottery equipment, eventually taking the cash box. No other store goods appear to have been taken, police say.

The culprit did, however, tamper with a cigarette display behind the store’s front counter. The store video indicates that the burglar was in the store for 34 seconds.

Detective Brad Sommers of the Cass County Sheriff’s Department is working a burglary that occurred at Mr. J’s Pizza & More on Roush Street in Young America early Thursday.

Investigators say that their agencies continue to review video evidence, as well as following up on information that a sport utility vehicle might have been used during the crimes. They would like to hear from anyone with information about these incidents or anyone who might have seen anything near the businesses during these times.

Kevin Lilly can be reached at (574) 732-5117, or via e-mail at kevin.lilly@pharostribune.com



Have a tip?

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at (765) 564-2413. The Cass County Sheriff’s Department can be reached at (574) 753-7800. Information can also be reported anonymously to Cass County Crime Stoppers at (574) 722-STOP. Tips leading to an arrest or conviction could lead to a reward of up to $1,000.