Rock Hill Burglar Apprehended After Multiple Business Break-Ins
In the early hours of Thursday, December 21st, Rock Hill fell victim to a spate of burglaries targeting local businesses. A man identified as Robert Jones Jr., 66, has been arrested and charged with two counts of burglary, one for each business targeted.
Initial Suspicion and Crime Scene Investigation
Police were first alerted to the crime spree when they received reports of shattered doors at The Mercantile on 153 East White Street around 1 a.m. Surveillance footage indicated that a black man dressed in khaki pants, a yellow jacket, and white shoes had thrown a brick through the glass, gaining entry to the premises.
Despite officers rushing to the scene and a comprehensive search of the area, the suspect managed to evade capture.
Further Reports and Clues to the Suspect’s Identity
Later that same morning, around 5:30 a.m., police received a call about a similar break-in at the Two Scoops ice cream shop on 161 West Main Street. Arriving at the scene, officers found a broken front door, echoing the mode of forced entry at the previous location.
Reviewing the surveillance footage from the second location, officers noted a man who looked strikingly similar to the suspect from the first burglary, although he appeared to have changed jackets. Despite a thorough search of the immediate area, the suspect remained at large.
A Day of Investigation and A Lucky Break
Throughout the day, officers conducted a detailed search of the local downtown area. An officer investigating the case chanced upon a male fitting the description of the suspect on East Main Street. Conducting a field interview with the man as part of their ongoing investigation, it was soon determined that he was indeed the suspect responsible for both break-ins.
Arrest and Charges for the Suspect
Following the identification and arrest of the suspect, authorities have now disclosed his identity as Robert Jones Jr., a 66-year-old resident of Rock Hill. Jones has been arrested and charged with two counts of burglary, with each count corresponding to one of the businesses targeted during his crime spree.
Bold-action by local law enforcement has ensured a swift resolution to this case, bringing a measure of relief to the local business owners and occupants of Rock Hill left disturbed by these violations.
