ASHHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville police have charged a Georgia man in connection with a March break-in at a downtown jewelry store that netted more than $350,000 in merchandise, authorities said.
Officers responded to a business alarm around 5:28 a.m. March 8 at a store on Page Avenue and found the front glass door shattered. Inside, multiple display cases had been broken and items were scattered, according to the Asheville Police Department.
Investigators said video footage showed two men arriving in a silver sedan, breaking the front door, entering the store, smashing display cases and stealing more than $354,000 in merchandise before fleeing.
Using surveillance video and license plate reader technology, detectives identified one suspect as Justin Thomas Baker, 32, of Adairsville, Georgia. Additional video from a nearby gas station and assistance from law enforcement agencies in Georgia helped advance the case, police said.
Baker is charged with felony larceny, breaking and entering, organized retail theft and possession of burglary tools. He remains at large and is believed to be in Georgia.
Police described Baker as a white man, about 6 feet 2 inches tall and 150 pounds, with brown hair, green eyes and a rectangular blue tattoo on his right forearm.
Authorities said they are still working to identify a second suspect and the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the TIP2APD smartphone app or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.