Newport Break-Ins Continue On Tuesday

The rash of break-ins at Newport business continued on Tuesday. This time though, police have a suspect. Michael Hartzog of Smoky Mountain Silencer stated a white male had broken into his business through the back bay door at around 5:00 am Tuesday morning. Hartzog had video camera footage of the suspect breaking into the cash register and taking two firearms. Hartzog says the suspect got away with $4,000 in cash, a muzzleloader, and an AR Rifle. All total the loss was valued at $5,200. During their investigation, officers were able to identify the suspect as 37 year old Bryan Thompson…due to the prior camera footage and officers’ body camera footage from a prior arrest. Warrants are being issued for Thompson’s arrest. Camera footage of the suspect can e viewed 0n the Newport Police Depts. Facebook page.

There have been numerous break-ins at area businesses in the past week, including Osaka Japanese restaurant, Newport Quick Lube, 95 Market, Farmer’s Furniture and David-Jolly Nail Spa.