SCSO: Four Burglaries Cleared with One Arrest

TYLER — Authorities say the arrest of 31-year-old Dustin Berry has cleared four area burglaries. According to a Smith County Sheriff�s Office news release, detectives received information Tuesday from a Smith County resident regarding over $21,000 worth of tools and wires which had been taken when his business was burglarized on July 18 in Flint. He was told that it was a former employee who had stolen his property and that some of that property could now be found in the Pinecrest mobile home park on FM 2868 in Flint. That same day, another Smith County resident contacted SCSO detectives advising she also had information that her stolen property was located in the Pinecrest mobile home park. This victim�s home had been burglarized on Wednesday, July 23, and a John Deere riding lawnmower had been stolen.

Detectives made contact with the manager of Pinecrest mobile home park, who stated she had observed an individual fitting the description of the burglary suspect mowing his yard on a John Deere mower. After discovering that the individual was wanted for parole violation, multiple SCSO detectives as well as Sheriff�s Office K-9 officers went to the residence to assist with the warrant execution. The suspect came outside and was arrested without incident.

Upon entering the residence, deputies and detectives reportedly discovered several stolen items including the John Deere mower and tools from the burglary in Flint. While searching the residence, deputies reportedly found several other stolen items which were linked to the burglary of the Dollar General located on FM 2493, which occurred on Sunday, July 27.

Berry has been booked into the Smith County Jail and is being charged with burglary of building and burglary of habitation, with bonds set at $100,000 on each charge. Berry also faces a charge of parole violation out of Louisiana. Officials say the total dollar amount of stolen property recovered equaled $4,842. Detectives say they were able to clear up all four previously mentioned burglary cases after further investigation.