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October 3, 2008

Suspect sought in rash of burglaries in Rusk

By Cristin Ross

cross@jacksonvilleprogress.com

Rusk police continue to search for the perpetrator of several burglaries occurring during the last week.

Police reports indicate Rusk officers have given chase to a suspect — a black man wearing dark clothing — on at least two occasions, but have been unable to apprehend him.

“We’re doing everything humanly possible to catch the person or persons responsible for these incidents,” Rusk Police Chief Roy Cavazoz said Thursday morning.

Police were called to the scene of a series of car burglaries on the Rusk State Hospital grounds late Wednesday night and pursued an unidentified black man on foot. The chase, according to Cavazoz, lasted until about 3 a.m. Thursday.

Four vehicles on the hospital grounds were found to have been broken into and a purse was taken from each. Officers found three of the purses where the suspect had apparently dropped them after removing anything of value.

“Always keep valuables out of sight, or better yet, remove them from a vehicle before you leave it unattended,” Rusk Municipal Judge Forrest Phifer said. “If they can’t see it or get at it, there’s a better chance it can’t be stolen.”

Hospital superintendent Ted Debbs said while the hospital does have night security, the hospital’s campus is large.

“It’d be easy for someone on foot to slip in,” Debbs said. “And we still have some lights out from the hurricane, leaving dark spots.”

Debbs said this is the first time the hospital has reported any activity of this type, and night personnel are being urged to park closer to the sercurity gate so their vehicles can be more closely monitored.

“We also have lockers inside for employees who’d like to use them,” Debbs said.

Law enforcement officials are also investigating possible connections to a string of burglaries reported Sept. 25. Businesses located in or near downtown Rusk and along U.S. Highway 69 in Rusk and at least 15 cars were burgled. The suspect allegedly smashed windows to gain entry to both buildings and the vehicles in all reported cases.

Total value of items stolen in the string of burglaries remains undisclosed.

Rusk Police Department is offering a $500 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect in these and other cases. Call 903-683-2677 to report tips.

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