Area Vending Break-Ins Suspect Apprehended By Dandridge Police Department

Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Dating back to October 2017, Food City drink machines in Dandridge had been broken into several times. Through video surveillance, Detective Kevin Bunch was able to obtain a photo of the vehicle used in the crime. A photo was released to the officers.

Saturday morning at approximately 2 am. Corporal Shane Hanshew spotted the vehicle at the Dandridge Fire Department Station downtown, where he intercepted Cory Brown of Knoxville. The vending machine lock hasp had been cut off and a screw had been drilled into the locking mechanism. Mr. Brown was taken into custody and interviewed. Additional evidence was uncovered during the interview which lead to five total cases. These cases involved similar machine break ins at Dandridge Food City, Dandridge Co-op, and Dandridge Fire Department. Corporal Shane Hanshew was assisted by Corporal Sam Cameron.

Mr. Brown was charged with 5 counts of Theft Under $1000, 9 counts of Vandalism, Possession of Burglary tools, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Driving On A Suspended License.

Court date is set for January 4, 2018. Mr. Brown is currently being held at Jefferson County Jail under a $24,000 bond.

Staff Photo by Jeff Depew