Investigators arrested Louis Lyons, 41, in an alleged eight-week crime spree that began in August. Raleigh and Wake County investigators charged Lyons with a total of 19 counts of felony breaking and entering, 24 counts of felony larceny after breaking and entering, and six counts of felony larceny. More charges are expected as investigators continue their investigation.
Kevin King's saltwater fish and coral shop was one of more than a dozen businesses burglarized in Garner during the past three weeks.
"We're at ease now a little bit, because I had a feeling it was going to happen again," said King after Lyons' arrest.
According to police reports, Lyons would typically enter the businesses sometime during the night by smashing in the front door or window, and would then steal anything of value inside, including money, laptop computers, cameras, and jewelry.
The smash-and-grabs happened along the U.S. 70 corridor of both Garner and Raleigh. Lyons' residence is a short distance from the scenes of the crimes.
According to investigators, Lyons was targeted based on surveillance video obtained from one of the burglarized businesses. After obtaining a search warrant Thursday, authorities found items inside his home that tied him to several of the break-ins. So far, Lyons has been linked to 42 break-ins, said investigators.
"We have charged (Lyons) with 11 burglaries so far here in Garner," said investigator Grant Davis. "This is a good example of agencies pooling resources and working together to put the bad guy in jail."
Lyons is in the Wake County Jail under $300,000 bond. He'll make his first court appearance on Monday.
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