by Nick Beres
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Murfreesboro police think they have a new lead to zero in on a burglary suspect who has used outrageous tactics to target pharmacies for powerful prescription narcotics.
The suspect was caught clearly on surveillance video using a crowbar trying to breaking into the Mills Pharmacy on Church street. A deadbolt kept the man from getting inside.
"This could be the keystone to solving multiple pharmacy break-ins," said Kyle Evans with the Murfreesboro police department.
Evans said detectives believe this same suspect may be responsible for two other recent pharmacy burglaries.
In one, he used a stolen pickup truck to plow into the side of the brick building. In another, he used a chainsaw to cut a hole through the pharmacy's siding. In both cases, the suspect escaped with hundreds of Oxycontin and oxycodone pills.
In response to the recent rash of burglaries, pharmacy owners like Chad Mills have stepped up security installing steel doors, deadlocks and surveillance videos. Most back service doors are now equipped with peepholes.
"If anyone knocks on the door we don't open unless we know who it is," said Mills. "It's all part of the effort to make things more safe and secure."
Mills said he's disturbed to see burglars using more and more brazen tactics in desperate pursuit of prescription narcotics.
Anyone who recognizes the suspect in the surveillance video is asked to call the Murfreesboro Police department at 615-893-2717 or Crime Stoppers at 895-STOP (7867).
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