On Saturday, March 29th, law enforcement from the West Liberty Police Department and Logan County Sheriff’s Office responded to a breaking and entering complaint at Thoman’s IGA in West Liberty.
The suspects involved, wearing face masks, gloves, and dark clothing, used a hammer and yellow crowbar to force entry by shattering two glass entrance doors.
Surveillance footage revealed the suspects stealing an undisclosed amount of money from the business.
The investigation, which was quickly coordinated with local law enforcement including officers from the Bellefontaine Police Department, led to the identification of one of the suspects.
Further inquiries linked this individual to an ongoing multi-county theft operation in central Ohio, prompting the issuance of arrest warrants.
Several law enforcement agencies began a coordinated search for the suspect involved.
Sunday, deputies were dispatched to another breaking and entering at the West Mansfield Marathon Gas Station.
In a similar incident to the Thoman’s IGA burglary, the suspects were once again seen wearing similar clothing and using the same criminal tools.
The suspects took money and other valuables.
Investigators, noting the similarities, were able to connect this case with the previous break-in.
Through additional information, including details about a secondary suspect vehicle, authorities were able to locate and apprehend the first suspect on Monday in Franklin County.
While the investigation is still ongoing, law enforcement is working on confirming the identity of a second suspect, with further charges expected to be filed across multiple jurisdictions.
“The Logan County Sheriff’s Office takes these types of crimes very seriously and dedicates countless hours and resources to keeping our communities safe,” said Sheriff Randall Dodds.
