Five commercial burglaries in 17 days has Fort Smith police reaching out to the public in an effort to identify a suspect, but the surveillance cameras that were able to capture images of the man don’t go very far in aiding those efforts.
Police say starting July 14 and ending on July 31, early morning burglaries occurred at the New Life Church (9000 Dallas), Community Bible Church (9201 Dallas) Faith United Methodist Church ( 2901 Massard), East Side Baptist Church (2710 Massard) and Chaffin Jr, High School.
Police say the methods used in the burglaries, the close proximity of the targets and the manner of dress of the burglar makes them conclude the events are probably related.
Items of interest appear to be electronic equipment such as I-Pads, laptops, computer towers and monitors. The suspect isn’t deterred by security cameras and often gestures or waves as he passes them.
The suspect dresses in unique tactical equipment and appears to be wearing a repelling harness on some of the security photos.
Detectives David Williams and Eric Fairless are attempting to identify the suspect, who appears appears to be a white male, approximately 170 pounds and 5-foot-10. He is thought to be between the ages of 18 and 25 years old.
Anyone with information about these break-ins is or think they may know the identity of the suspect is encouraged to call the FSPD at 479-7090-5100 or to dial 78-Crime.