Toronto police seeking burglars

TORONTO - City Police are seeking suspects in two robberies that occurred early Friday morning at a local store and city school.

Police believe the burglaries at Family Dollar, 1832 Franklin Ave., and S.C. Dennis Elementary School on Dennis Way occurred in the early morning hours sometime between midnight and 5 a.m. Friday. Police also believe the two burglaries are connected, according to Patrolman Rick Parker.

"The suspects gained entrance at the rear of (Family Dollar)," said Parker, adding suspects took their time stealing a significant amount of merchandise. "The suspects stole more than $1,000 worth of merchandise. The main items stolen were track phones and over-the-counter medications."

Parker said no cash was taken during the incident.

"They tried to take the (store) safe, but they couldn't get it out," added Parker, adding no video surveillance of the robbery exists. "(S.C. Dennis) School is only about 100 yards away.

The suspects broke in through a classroom on the south side of the building. They also broke into the administrative office.

As of today, school officials are unable to find anything missing."

Parker said the school has a burglar alarm, but it apparently malfunctioned.

"The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification processed the crime scenes for us," Parker said. They were able to find some evidence at the scene. Our investigation is ongoing."

Parker said anyone with information should call the Toronto Police, at (740) 537-1591.

"All calls with information are kept confidential," said Parker.

(Miller can be contacted at mmiller@heraldstaronline.com.)