arrest in store burglary

By BRIAN BLACKLEY

Managing Editor

Dec. 28, 1999 11 PM

A Troy man found that being on television wasn’t glamorous when a recording device caught him on tape stealing goods and cash from a local convenience store.

The Troy Police Department arrested Michael Randy Howard, 36, of Golden Sands Trailer Park, Troy, for the Dec. 27 burglary of Speedee C, a convenience store on Highway 231 in Troy.

Tuesday he was charged with third degree burglary, a felony charge. At press time, Howard was in the Pike County Jail on $3,500 bond.

According to police, Howard gained access to the business through a hole in a gable on the north side of the building in the morning hours of Dec. 27.

"This apparently occurred between the hours of 1:30 a.m. and 6:17 a.m.," Scarbrough said. "It was discovered at 6:17 and had not occurred as of 1:30."

Police believe the suspect took money and other assorted items from the store, said Benny Scarbrough, public information officer for the Troy Police Department.

According to Scarbrough, a recording device contributed to the swift capture of suspect.

"We took the tape and reviewed it the next day," Scarbrough said "Subsequent investigation led to a positive ID and to an arrest."

Scarbrough said the videotape being left on and investigation on the part of officers were

A Troy police officer saw the images and identified Howard as the suspected burglar, Scarbrough said. Howard was apprehended Tuesday and was charged for the crime.

Police had not recovered stolen merchandise from the store, but are continuing to investigate the case.

"Officially, the case is still under investigation," Scarbrough said. "We will continue to look into this until we come to a complete conclusion."

Police Chief Anthony Everage said he is pleased to see that the case came to such a swift resolution and commended officers.

"We are pleased with the work that went into solving this case," said Chief Anthony Everage of the Troy Police Department. "The officers in this case did a good job and their knowledge of the city and of its residents contributed to the capture of this individual."

The case is one of two theft-related cases solved by area law enforcement Tuesday.