Suspect arrested in

connection with

business break-ins

Officers with the Boone Police Department Investigations Division have charged a Boone man in connection with an early morning break-in at two area businesses.

On Thursday, April 3, at 2:50 a.m., officers responded to First Tracks Ski Shop on N.C. 105 in reference to an alarm.

Upon arrival, it was found that the front window was broken and entry had been made to the business.

A Watauga County sheriff’s deputy en route to assist the Boone Police observed a person walking on N.C. 105 carrying a snowboard and a backpack.

When the suspect saw the deputy, the suspect ran and was later located on Poplar Hill Drive with the help of a sheriff’s department K-9.

Further investigation revealed that Peabody’s, also located on N.C. 105, had been broken into.

In addition to the snowboard and other items taken from First Tracks, it was discovered that alcoholic beverages and cigars had been taken from Peabody’s.

A total of $2,300 in merchandise was taken from the two store, and $2,000 in property damage occurred at the stores.

Chase Bryant Whittington, 18, of Boone was charged with two counts of felonious breaking and entering, two counts of felonious larceny, and two counts of damage to property.

Whittington was taken before a Watauga County magistrate and placed on a $150,000 bond, with a court date scheduled for May 20 in Watauga County District Court.

— From the Boone Police Department