HINTON, (Hinton News) – On the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 12, police officers responded to a call for a burglary in process. After a brief investigation, Robert Dean Thomas, 26, of Hinton, was arrested.
According to the criminal complaint, officers received information stating an unknown individual was seen carrying multiple items, such as a kayak and a toolbox, out of a garage while wearing a clown mask. An officer made contact with a person, later identified as Thomas, carrying a truck toolbox a few streets away. The complaint states that after Thomas put the toolbox down, the officer noticed a clown mask in the front pocket of his hoodie. The officer also noted a pry bar in Thomas’ front pants pocket. After making these observations, the officer detained Thomas and placed the toolbox in the back of his cruiser. The officer, with Thomas in the back seat, headed to the initial scene of the crime.
After arriving at the scene and ensuring no one remained inside the garage, Thomas allegedly stated, “if it helps me out, I can tell you where some other stuff is.” The officer checked the location indicated by Thomas, and he located a Brooklyn kayak and two pairs of kayak oars. Additionally, the officer noted that the garage latch had been pried off.
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The officer spoke with the victim, who noted what was missing and the value of each item. Only one thing had not been recovered at this point, a self-propelled lawn mower. The officer returned to where he had initially found Thomas and located the mower.
The criminal complaint states that all of the stolen property was returned to the victim. Subsequently, Thomas was placed under arrest. While leaving the victim’s property, Thomas reportedly called out, “I’m sorry ma’am.”
At the time of writing, Thomas is in Southern Regional Jail on a $20,000 bond. He is facing charges of Breaking and Entering, Grand Larceny and Destruction of Property.
