On Wednesday, January 15th, Kilgore Police officers responded to an alarm at a Smoke & Vape store, reporting front and back door motion. Upon arrival, officers discovered the front glass door had been broken. The store, previously burglarized, was quickly secured by officers while waiting for the owner.
Sgt. Adame began searching the area for a suspect believed to be on foot. During the search, a bicycle was found abandoned in the middle of the street. A nearby homeowner reported their bike had just been stolen, leading officers to believe the suspect had taken it.
Cpl. Isbell, reviewing a prior burglary report, noted 26-year-old Charles Blayne Claxton Jr. had been a suspect in the previous incident. Suspecting Claxton might be on the nearby walking trail on Houston Street, Cpl. Isbell located a bicycle matching the stolen bike's description near a blue port-a-potty. Vape packaging found near the port-a-potty door led officers to discover Claxton inside, smoking a vape allegedly taken from the store.
Claxton was arrested without incident. The stolen bike was recovered and returned to its owner. Over $600 worth of merchandise from the store was also recovered.
Claxton was charged with Burglary of a Building, booked into the Kilgore Jail, and later transferred to the Gregg County Jail. His bond was set at $5,000.