Man arrested after several burglaries throughout Raleigh, including Vic's Italian Restaurant
Raleigh police announced Thursday the arrest of a man charged in connection with several commercial burglaries in the last several weeks throughout Raleigh, including Vic's Italian Restaurant in the historic City Market.
Police arrested Ron Decorrous Pierce on Sunday.
Pierce, 45, is charged with:
Nine counts of felony breaking and or entering
Nine counts of felony larceny after breaking and entering
Nine counts of misdemeanor injury to real property
According to the police, Pierce is accused of burglaries between October and December at the following businesses:
- Vic's Italian Restaurant - 331 Blake St.
- African Continental Grocery - 717 E. Martin St.
- The Tire Guy - 630 Rock Quarry Road
- The Poole Road Mart - 2121 Poole Road
Owners of Vic's Italian Restaurant said the establishment was broken into three times in a week and five times in a month.
Thousands of dollars in repairs for impacted business owners
The arrest brings a sigh of relief tonight for business owners, targeted in that string of burglaries – but also frustration over repairs costing thousands of dollars.
"He just busted the door and came in," said Landing Sonko, owner of African Continental Grocery. "Came back again, busted the other door, took some cigarettes and a few items and ran out."
The damage from the broken door could cost between $4,500 and $7,500.
Mario Longo, owner of Vic’s Italian Restaurant, says the damage was around $10,000 for him.
Longo’s surveillance video captured the suspect in the act – running straight to the register after getting inside Vic’s Italian Restaurant.
"I'm glad they caught him. He made me spend a lot of money," said Longo.
A costly and frustration experience, but one owners like Landing Sonko can be teachable to anyone in need.
"Let’s help each other, and if somebody needs help, communicate it instead of breaking in," he said.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to call Raleigh CrimeStoppers at 919-996-1193.
