The Gallatin Police Department arrested John Eskridge for burglary and stealing on Sunday, Jan. 29, and on Monday, Mr. Eskridge was formally charged with first degree burglary, a class B felony. The charges were the culmination of an investigation involving over 40 vehicles that had been broken into between Jan. 23 and Jan. 28.
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
Gallatin Police Chief Mark Richards said the vehicles were located all over town and were broken into over three nights.
All the vehicles had been left unlocked.
"Even in a small town, it’s a good idea to lock your vehicle," said Chief Richards.
Stolen items were those things that were accessible, including spare change, C.D.s, and electronic equipment lying around in the car. Over $150 in cash was taken and close to $3,000 in merchandise.
Chief Richards said some of the stolen items had been recovered. Individuals will be notified regarding what items can be returned on a case by case basis.
Mr. Eskridge, 17, Gallatin, had been on probation for felony stealing out of Clinton County for which he had received a suspended imposition of sentence. He is presently being held at Midwest Security Housing. Bond is set at $35,000. Additional charges are pending upon further investigation.