MURFREESBORO – Duck Thru employees suspected someone was pilfering gas from the diesel pumps, but they weren’t able to nab the culprit until they reported their suspicions to the Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD) who was able to capture the criminal red handed with mounted video surveillance cameras.

Upon retrieving the tapes, MPD Captain Chris Sumner and Lieutenant Joe Burgess were able to collect enough information to draw up a warrant for the arrest of the suspect.

Based on the evidence revealed on the tapes, 35-year old Larry Bailey Jr. of 1104 Benthal Bridge Road, Ahoskie was arrested last Wednesday and subsequently charged with eight felony counts of obtaining property under false pretense, eight counts misdemeanor for larceny and seven counts misdemeanor of damage to property.

According to Murfreesboro Police Chief Darrell Rowe, the officers’ investigation revealed a total of approximately 229 gallons of stolen diesel fuel.

After appearing before a magistrate, Bailey was escorted to the Hertford County Jail where he was placed under a $70,500 secured bond.

&uot;I commend Captain Sumner and Lt. Burgess for their quick and professional work,&uot; said Rowe. &uot;Cases like this are very important because the cost is passed on to the consumers. Not only do crimes like this hurt business people, but they have a negative impact on everyone who goes to the pump to purchase fuel.&uot;

The date for Bailey’s probable cause hearing is not yet known.