| March 26,
2003 |
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| Deputy
Arrests More Burglars in the Act |
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For the third
time in eighteen days, an alert deputy patrolling eastern Burke County caught
thieves in the act, according to reports by the Burke County Sheriff's
Office.
Around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, Deputy Mark Connelly was on routine
patrol and discovered a red Mazda van behind Hildebran Service Center, located
at 114 1st Avenue NE, according to a news release. |
Timothy A. Johnson |
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| The deputy investigated and reportedly
found numerous stereos and other items inside the vehicle, and discovered a
hole in the fence of the business. |
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| According to reports, Connelly heard someone
inside the fence and began a foot pursuit with Timothy Allan Johnson, 17, of
142 38th Street N.W., Hickory. Johnson was caught and arrested by the
deputy. |
| |
Jason W. Tomlinson |
The Sheriff's
Office Detective Division investigated and arrested another suspect, Jason
Wayne Tomlinson, 25, of 2295 Shady Grove Road, Connelly Springs. They allege
Tomlinson was involved with Johnson in a number of break-ins.
The
property from those break-ins were reportedly located in the Mazda van found by
Connelly at Hildebran Service Center. The items were seized and returned to the
victims, a detective said. |
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| A list by detectives of victims in this case
include Hildebran Service Center, Knob Service Center, and John Calvin Little,
Jr. |
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| Johnson and Tomlinson are facing charges which
include three counts of breaking, entering and larceny, four counts of damage
to personal property, one count of felonious larceny and possession of stolen
goods, and two counts of misdemeanor larceny and possession of stolen goods.
Other charges may be pending, authorities said. |
| |
| Tomlinson was released on bond and Johnson
was jailed on outstanding warrants from an unrelated case, a detective said.
Both suspects have a first court appearance today. |
| |
| Deputy Connelly also foiled a break-in to a Hildebran car wash on
March 7th. In that case, Randy Dean Lail, 36, of 2709 Coldwater Street,
Connelly Springs was arrested after allegedly breaking into the business and
running from Connelly after the deputy discovered the burglary. |
| |
In another
matter, Connelly arrested Christopher Matthew White, 19, of 1954 Houston Mill
Road, Conover on March 19th after White was reportedly involved in the break-in
of a vehicle parked at Belko Hardwood on I-40 Access Road in
Hildebran.
Connelly arrested White as he ran from the business as the
deputy pulled into the parking lot to investigate a suspicious vehicle, a
report stated. Three other suspects also ran from the scene, but have been
identified and have pending charges, a detective said. |
Christopher M. White |
|
| "Mark is one of our rookies, but he performs
like a seasoned veteran," said Sheriff John T. McDevitt. "Some officers go
their entire career without catching a thief in the act. To foil three
burglaries within an eighteen day period is uncanny. We're extremely proud of
him and the job he is doing." |
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| ************************************************************** |
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| Other Recent Press Releases: |
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- March 21,
2003.....Bank Robber Photos Released
- March 20,
2003.....First Citizen in Rutherford College Robbed
- March 19,
2003.....Youth Shot During Burglary, Charged with B&E
- March 19,
2003.....Drug Arrest Made on Liberty Church Road
- March 17,
2003.....Harlon Facing Numerous Charges
- March 10,
2003.....Basketball Coach Charged with Statutory Rape
- March 9,
2003.......Setzer's Freedom Short-lived; Back Behind Bars
- March 8,
2003.......Man Escapes from Jail Transport Vehicle
- March 7,
2003.......Deputy Foils Break-in Attempt, One Arrested
|
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| To view previous press releases, visit our
archives
file |
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