Sheriff Lanny North reports that on September 27, 2011 at 11:21 P.M. the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting that there was a breaking and entering in progress occurring at the Valero service station located in Rockbridge, OH.
An employee, whom had just completed their shift, observed a male bust out a front window and gain entrance to the store, removed property from the store and flee the area in a white pickup truck. The employee immediately called 911 who alerted the Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies obtained a description from witnesses and broadcast the suspect information to area law enforcement.
Soon after arriving at Valero and detectives had begun processing the crime scene for evidence, deputies were alerted that Post 23 of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was in pursuit of the vehicle believed to be involved. The pursuit ended when the suspect crashed and escaped on foot. Additionally, it was learned that the pickup truck had been reported stolen in Fairfield County. Stolen property and evidence was collected from the vehicle linking the vehicle to the Valero service station.
After reviewing the surveillance video from Valero’s, detectives identified a 33 year old man as the person believed to be responsible for the crime.
On Oct. 2, the suspect was apprehended by Circleville P.D. in Pickaway County, as he entered a residence in their city.
