Boone police have arrested a Connelly Springs man suspected of being the "H2O Bandit" who distracted convenience-store clerks by spilling water on the floor before he stole items last year.
Tony Allen Tomlinson, 44, faces two charges of misdemeanor larceny and one count of attempted misdemeanor larceny.
Tomlinson was extradited from Tennessee. He's being held in Watauga County under $1,500 secured bond. He is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 2.
The "H2O Bandit" allegedly entered three Boone convenience stores in September 2008, surreptitiously poured water on the floor and then told clerks about a possible leak from a cooler.
While the workers mopped up the water, the thief stole various items, police said.
The thief took one clerk's wallet from the purse behind a counter, according to Detective Sgt. Matt Stevens.
The man stole cigarettes at another store. A clerk at a third confronted a man attempting to go behind the counter, possibly preventing a theft.
The mode of operation is similar to an "H2O Bandit" that struck Burke County convenience stores in Sept. 2008.
Burke County Sheriff's Sgt. Robert Beall said there are no formal charges in the county for Tomlinson, but pending further investigation that could change.
Authorities in Statesville and Alexander County previously arrested Tomlinson in connection with similar incidents.
Sgt. Stevens said Tomlinson also faces an outstanding probation violation in Carroll County, Va., and unserved warrants in Henderson, Iredell and Lincoln counties.
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'H20 Bandit' suspect caught
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Published: September 16, 2009
Published: September 16, 2009
Connelly Springs --
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