Man Charged Following Smash-And-Grab Break-In

SMITHFIELD — Police made a quick arrest following an early morning break-in at a Dollar General store.

Officers responded around 3:15 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13 after a rock was reportedly used to shatter the front glass door at the Dollar General located at 829 S. Brightleaf Boulevard. Investigators said the suspect entered the store and stole 10 packs of Newport cigarettes before fleeing the scene.

Police began canvassing nearby areas in search of the suspect. Around 9:12 a.m., officers spotted a man walking on Martin Luther King Drive near East Street wearing clothing matching the description of the suspect captured on surveillance video.

When an officer attempted to speak with the individual, he allegedly fled on foot but was quickly apprehended.

Police said further investigation reportedly confirmed the man was responsible for the break-in that occurred about six hours earlier.

Timothy Ray Sellers of Smithfield was arrested and charged with felony breaking and entering, felony larceny, misdemeanor resisting a public officer, and misdemeanor injury to property.

Damage to the store’s glass door was estimated at approximately $1,000.

Sellers was transported to the Johnston County Detention Center where he was held under a $60,000 secured bond.