MORGANTON, N.C.,None — Police have linked several recent smash-and-grab break-ins that caused thousands of dollars in damage to Morganton businesses to 29-year-old Mason Balbier.
But Balbier told Eyewitness News reporter Dave Faherty that the evidence police said points to him doesn't prove anything.
"I didn't break into these places," Balbier said.
Public safety officers, on the other hand, said the evidence in the case is strong.
Officers said Balbier smashed his way into six businesses near Morganton's downtown area, and that during one of the break-ins, he blundered by turning on the lights for 10 seconds.
After identifying him as a suspect officers said they found the same clothes seen in the video in Balbier's motel room.
Still, Balbier said that isn't proof that he committed a crime.
"There is some guy with a jacket that looks like my jacket," he said. "Does that mean I broke in? No. A lot of people have Air Jordans -- they're popular shoes. So I wear these shoes and they make me the guy. Come on."
Officers said Balbier had a different version of events when they talked to him, explaining that he broke into the businesses because he was out of work and needed money to support his family.
"You don't do that," Detective Calvin Daniels, from Morganton Public Safety, said. "You get a job somewhere. Flip burgers at Burger King. You don't need to break into people's stuff and take their things."
Police estimate the damages from the spate of break-ins runs in the thousands of dollars.
Public safety officers said Balbier is also wanted in Florida and South Carolina on different charges including break-ins and stealing a car.
WSOC
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