FROM STAFF REPORTS

A suspect in a break-in of an auto parts start was apprehended by Statesville Police Department officers over the weekend.

The SPD announced the arrest of Michael Todd Cromwell, 59, of Statesville in a news release Monday afternoon.

Officers were dispatched to O’Reilly Auto Parts store, located at 528 N. Center Street, about 2 a.m. Sunday in response to a break-in alarm.

Arriving officers discovered that the store had been broken into and the cash registers were missing, police said.

While officers were heading to the scene, a patrol officer observed a suspect attempting to hide behind a nearby residence, according to the news release. The officer approached that individual, who fled on foot.

After a brief pursuit, the suspect, who was identified as Cromwell, was found in possession of burglary tools, police said.

Cromwell was positively identified as the individual responsible for the break-in at O’Reilly Auto Parks, according to the news release. The cash registers were recovered at the scene.

Cromwell was interviewed by SPD investigators. He is believed to be involved in several other break-ins in the area over the past few months, police said.

A magistrate ordered Cromwell be held without bond in the Iredell County Detention Center pending his first court appearance.

According to the SPD, the suspect has an extensive criminal record, which includes charges related to commercial breaking and entering, tampering with coin-operated machines, and possession of burglary tools, with offenses dating back to 1986.

Cromwell was released from prison on February 6, 2023, after serving a 10-year sentence for similar offenses.

The investigation remains active. Further charges against Cromwell are expected, police said.