Teen accused in Clark County store break-in set to return to court

A 17-year-old boy is scheduled to return to court Wednesday, Sept. 19, for his alleged role in a break-in at Buck Creek Carry Out this week.

The teen was arraigned in Clark County Juvenile Court on Tuesday and a denial was entered for him. A not guilty plea was also entered for Jerome Wood Jr., 28 of Springfield earlier this week in Clark County Municipal Court.

Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to Buck Creek Carry Out around 1:20 a.m. on Tuesday on report of a break-in.

IN-DEPTH: Suspects foiled plans to steal from Clark County store caught on video

According to a court affidavit, the responding deputy found two rocks that were thrown at one of the business’ windows, but nothing appeared to be missing from the store.

Court documents say witness statements from neighbors led a deputy from the sheriff’s office to the suspects, who were seen walking in the area. In one case, the two actually stopped to talk with a neighbor and told him there was something going on at the carry out.

The pair left the store without taking anything, and they were taken into custody within minutes of the business’ alarm sounding, according to an incident report.

CRIME: Springfield man accused of cutting woman with machete

The affidavit states that the deputy was able to confirm the suspects’ identities thanks to surveillance footage at the business.

The carry out’s owner, Sharon Eldridge said the two were in the store earlier that afternoon handling guns, probably casing the place.

She locks every gun in a safe at night out of an abundance of caution, she said. She’s put additional safeguards in place after other break ins, like two sets of metal pull-down doors. Her only loss from Tuesday’s break in was a $1000 window that needed to be repaired.

“You take every precaution to keep it out of those kinds of people’s hands,” she said.

About the Author