Common denominators

Homepage

Related Photos

North Carolina Tarheels cap left behind at crime scene will be processed at the GBI crime lab.

December 5, 2012

Common denominators

Home invasions similar

Patti Dozier CNHI The Times Enterprise Wed Dec 05, 2012, 06:40 PM EST

THOMASVILLE — It appears two recent home invasions might be connected.

The method of operation is the same in two November incidents and a third that took place during predawn hours Saturday, said Lt. Steve Belvin, commander of the Thomasville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division (CID).

About 3 a.m. Saturday, three people knocked on a door at an apartment at Guardian Inn, 628 E. Clay St. An occupant opened the door.

“They forced their way in,” Belvin said.

A male resident was assaulted repeatedly and required hospitalization. Intruders, who were armed with firearms, found money in the residence, then forcibly took more cash from a female resident. Valuables also were taken.

Police have not identified the suspects. “We’re working on several different leads,” Belvin explained.

A navy-blue North Carolina Tarheels ball cap worn by one of the suspects was found at the scene. The hat will be processed at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime lab.

Anyone with information about the cap is asked to call Crimestoppers at 227-3305 or CID at 227-3302.

Other forensic evidence collected at the crime scene will by analyzed and processed.

A similar home invasion took place at a Fern street residence about 5 a.m. Nov. 3, also a Saturday. Money was taken.

Two males with a firearm in their possession were arrested off Campbell Street late Wednesday morning. The suspects were to be questioned later Wednesday.

Another home invasion was at a North Dawson Street residence on Thursday, Nov. 8. Residents were robbed at gunpoint. One person was beaten.

Belvin said the North Dawson incident is possibly connected to the home invasions on East Clay and Fern.

A fourth home invasion was reported as a prowler at a Junius Street house.

The 10 p.m. incident on Nov. 1, a Thursday, was an attempted home invasion, Belvin said. “They didn’t get in,” the commander explained. After review of the case, it obviously was an intended home invasion that was averted, he added.

“If you don’t have a peephole, get one,” Belvin advised residents.

Residents should verify someone at a door is someone they know before opening the door.

“If you ask who it is, and they won’t respond, don’t open the door. Call 911 immediately,” Belvin said.

Anyone seeing someone suspicious should call 911 immediately. Try to obtain a description of the individual and the route taken when they leave.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820.