Police hear shattered glass, catch robbery in progress in downtown Clayton

Two officers with the Clayton Police Department were walking down Main Street early Monday when they heard the noise of broken glass.

The officers followed the sound and discovered that someone has broken the glass storefront of Clockwise and Otherwise, a clock and watch repair shop located at 335 E. Main Street.

Police say the officers heard more glass breaking and saw a man running down Main Street toward Smith Street. The officers were able to locate the man and arrest him.

After the arrest, the officers discovered more shattered glass at the Jewelry Design Studio, located at 417 E. Main Street, but determined that nothing was stolen. Police also discovered that, across the street, a car parked at Mike's Auto Service Center had been broken into.

John Christopher Lee Dant, 32, of Dunn, is charged with three counts of breaking and entering. Police accused him of attempting to rob two downtown Clayton shops and stealing several items from a car parked at third.