The Tipton County Sheriff’s Office and Covington Police Department have partnered to solve an overnight business burglary.
On Tuesday, Oct. 10 at approximately 11 p.m., TCSO deputies were patrolling businesses in Covington and observed a gray Dodge Charger driving southbound on Highway 51 without lights. The deputies initiated a traffic stop for the observed traffic violation. However, the vehicle refused to stop, which led to a pursuit.
During the pursuit, the driver left the roadway, striking a utility pole, exited the vehicle, got into a white passenger vehicle and fled the area. Deputies and CPD officers responded to assist.
The male suspect was last seen wearing a red hoodie and a ski mask. Deputies and officers determined that the gray Dodge Charger was registered to Landers Ford North located at 965 US Hwy 51. Detectives responded to Landers Ford North and determined the business had been burglarized. The detectives discovered a key box and electronics that were located in the vehicle. The investigation revealed that the items were stolen along with the vehicle. Evidence also indicated forced entry after locating a broken window at the dealership. This investigation is ongoing.
“The Sheriff’s Office and Police Department will continue to proactively patrol our city to prevent crime and when it does occur to quickly interrupt this activity,” said Covington Police Chief Donna Turner in a press release. “I want to commend the deputy who was assisting in Covington at the time of the burglary that had not even been reported to law enforcement. We will continue to partner with TCSO and other law enforcement agencies to reduce crime and keep our communities safe.”
“This is what good heads-up police work is about”, said Tipton County Sheriff Shannon Beasley. “Deputy Will Holder was assisting in patrolling the Covington area when he observed this vehicle, traveling south on Highwat 51, with no headlights. This is a prime example as to how a simple traffic violation uncovers more serious crimes afoot.”
Beasley said Deputies Holder and Daniel Tutera pursued this vehicle until it crashed into a utility pole. Contact was lost with the suspect after he entered a secondary vehicle while fleeing on foot.
“Thankfully, deputies and CPD officers were able to recover most of the property taken during the burglary,” Beasley said. “We will continue to work closely with the Covington Police Department as they continue their investigation into the business burglary and theft of the automobile.”
If anyone has information on the suspect involved call the Criminal Investigation Division at 901- 475-1261 or the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office at 901-475-3307. Tips can also be sent through the Covington Police Department Facebook messenger or the City of Covington website.
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