Brazen Thief Targets Gas Stations In Solon

SOLON, OH — A brazen pair of cigarette thefts targeted two Solon gas stations earlier this month. Police believe the suspect has been arrested in another city for similar crimes.

The first theft happened June 9 at the True North Shell on SOM Center Road. Employees said a man came into the business, used the bathroom, and then took a can of pop to the counter. He then asked the clerk for a carton of Newport cigarettes. The man then asked for cigars.

As the attendant went to get the cigars, the man grabbed the cigarettes and ran out of the store. The cigarettes were valued at $70.56.

A second, similar theft happened two days later, on June 11. A little after 11 p.m., a man driving red car came into the Get Go gas station on SOM Center Road. He asked the clerk for two cartons of Newport cigarettes. He then asked for a pack Swisher Sweets. Sound familiar?

When the clerk turned around to grab the cigars, the man snatched the two cartons of cigarettes and ran out of the store. The cigarettes were valued at $138.12, Solon Police said.

The department's lead suspect was arrested in another city for committing similar crimes, police said. The city of Solon will seek a direct indictment for both the Get Go and True North gas station thefts.

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