suspected burglar

By BRIAN BLACKLEY

Managing Editor

Nov. 16, 1999, 10 PM

A quick response to a burglary in progress led Brundidge police to an arrest Sunday night at a beauty salon.

Tawain Myhan, 26, of Brundidge has been charged with second-degree burglary after police responded to an alarm at Minnie’s Beauty Salon on Leona Street.

Officer Sherry Shackleford responded to the alarm that was set off Sunday night between 9 and 9:15. Upon arriving at the business, police Chief Moses Davenport said she discovered that the door appeared as if had been kicked in.

"It was ajar and appeared as if there was a forced entry into the business," Davenport said.

Shackleford entered the business with her weapon drawn and was prepared for what she found shortly thereafter.

"She entered cautiously and discovered the suspect hiding in the bathroom of the business," Davenport said. "The suspect fled the scene, but Shackleford knew him and was able to make a positive identification for an arrest shortly after the incident."

Davenport said the suspect’s attempt to flee was the result of the officer’s preparation to take him into custody.

Still, he said, the suspect’s departure from the crime scene did not hinder an arrest.

Davenport said the officer’s familiarity with the people of the city and her alert assessment of the crime scene was the key to the arrest.

"She did an outstanding job," he said. "She was able to make a positive identification of the suspect that led to the arrest. This was good police work."

Monday, the warrant against Myhan was pending the signature of a judge, but according to Davenport, the Brundidge Police Department was certain that it had the right suspect.

"We are happy to report that this person has been taken into custody," he said.

If convicted of the felony crime, the suspect could be sentenced to time in the state penitentiary.

"We take crimes of this sort very seriously," said Davenport. "We want to make our streets and our businesses safe for the people of the community."