Police investigate string of thefts, attempted business break-ins

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. -- Two Caruthersville men and one Caruthersville juvenile were arrested on Friday, July 9, resulting from a rash of vehicle break-ins and attempted business break-ins.

According to Caruthersville Police Chief Chris Riggs, on Friday, officers responded to several businesses that reported that someone had tried to break-in and several successful vehicle break-ins involving theft. The incident reported occurred between the late night hours of Thursday, July 8, and early morning hours of Friday, July 9.

Riggs said officers responded to the Grizzly Jig and The Globe Clothing Store in reference to evidence that someone had tried to gain entry by kicking in the back door. Officers noticed shoe prints on the back doors of the businesses and took photographs of the shoe prints for evidence.

Another business, Prescription Drug Store, reported that someone had tried to gain entry into the business using a sliding drive-thru window. Officers observed surveillance tapes and were able to identify several suspects, according to Riggs. Officers then made contact with the three male suspects, and questioned them about the break-ins.

Riggs said all parties admitted to the attempted break-ins and to breaking into several vehicles around the city and stealing items from those vehicles. The suspects gave officers information to what was stolen and the locations. Officers then made contact with the victims and took the items in as evidence.

Items stolen from the break-ins include several car stereos and DVD Players, MP3 players, iPods, three handguns, two navigational units, cologne, Zippo lighters and a USB flash drive.

Riggs said officers recovered several other stereos and miscellaneous items from the suspects, adding that it is unknown at this time who the items belong to.

The police chief asks anyone has had a stereo or other item stolen from their vehicle between July 8-9, to contact the police department.

The names of the suspects in the investigation are being held pending the filing of formal charges by the Pemiscot County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the Pemiscot County Juvenile Division.

Pemiscot County Juvenile assisted with the investigation.