Burglar uses car to break into Rite Aid, police say

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are searching for a driver who they say drove through a north Charlotte Rite Aid.

Police said the robber didn't get away with much, but caused massive damage.

Workers were busy all day Friday installing new doors on the Rite Aid off Bellhaven Boulevard. Customers were inside just hours after a police investigation before sunrise.

Channel 9 cameras were rolling as police investigated the damage. Parts of the car were left behind, and police said there is good surveillance video of the crash.

Police said the driver fled the scene with only 20 packs of cigarettes, but left behind $30,000 worth of damage.

"I just think it is unfortunate that it comes to this, but I am not surprised," customer Craig Scott said.

Channel 9 crime-mapped the area and discovered that there have been 185 crimes within a mile of the Rite Aid in the past 6 months, including 37 thefts, 18 assaults and 10 burglaries.

Scott expressed concern about the stats. He also said it is sad to see someone cause so much damage for cigarettes.

"It's old. It's settled. It surprises me this happened here. I haven't heard any crime or vandalism in this area," Scott said.

Police said the burglar will face charges of larceny, breaking and entering and hit-and-run.

Cox Media Group