Suspect Sought in Major Burglary

LAKE PALESTINE — The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is trying to solve a home burglary in which a large amount of money and goods were taken. Specifically, authorities are seeking the identity of the individual seen in surveillance footage of the incident, which happened in the ShadyBrook Subdivision on Lake Palestine in the Bullard community.

The burglary occurred between 11:00am and noon on Thursday. The homeowner left the residence just minutes before the burglar walked through his front yard and began trying to break into the side door of the residence, according to officials. A sheriff’s office report says prior to touching the door, the burglar removed his t-shirt and wrapped it around his hand to conceal any fingerprints. Authorities say he made several attempts to break in the side door but failed, then briefly tried the back door. Officials say he eventually returned to the side door and made entry.

According to the sheriff’s report, the burglar spent a little over 5 minutes inside the house and left with over $7,000 in silver coins, two pistols, jewelry, and other valuables. Surveillance video indicates the burglar took the items and is not seen for almost 15 minutes. It is believed he took the items to a nearby house or vehicle. Authorities say the burglar then returned and entered the residence two more times, taking more valuables each time. The total loss is estimated at $10,000.

Surveillance photos can be downloaded from these links:

http://www.text-fx.com/stored/so/backdoor-01.jpg

http://www.text-fx.com/stored/so/backdoor-02.jpg

http://www.text-fx.com/stored/so/sidedoor-01.jpg

http://www.text-fx.com/stored/so/sidedoor-02.jpg

Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 903-683-2271.