Newberry, SC (WLTX) A man suspected of breaking into two businesses in Newberry has been arrested.
Thomas Andrew Lyles, 52 of Newberry was arrested and charged with two counts of burglary and one count of petit larcency.
Newberry sheriff Lee Foster said that deputies were patrolling the area around Kendall road around 3 AM when they found that two businesses had been broken into. The suspect had used a rock to break through the doors of the businesses.
After reviewing video surveillance from the businesses, investigators were able to see the suspect's clothing but couldn't get a clear look at his face. However, one of the investigators who was reviewing the tape was able to identify Thomas Lyles as a potential suspect based upon his walk and mannerisms.
As investigators began to canvass the area they were able to learn that Lyles had been in the area dressed in the clothing they had seen from the video surveillance.
When deputies located the suspect, he was still wearing the same clothes as in the video and was suffering several cuts and abrasions on his hands. After being taken into custody he confessed to the burglaries.
Newberry Sheriff Lee Foster said, "The deputies and investigators who responded to these burglaries have worked for years to establish a relationship with the community." He continued, "Citizens were willing to share information with the officers, which combined with their knowledge of the community and suspect lead them to a rapid arrest."
