A Mountain Home man, 30-year-old Cory Elling, has been arrested and charged in connection with a number of incidents involving theft of property, including allegedly entering a local store where he wore a new pair of boots as he left, leaving behind his old shoes and socks.According to the probable cause affidavit, the incidents began on June 15th when Mountain Home Police were notified a storage unit had been broken into and numerous power tools and associated items were missing.That same day, officers were advised of a stalled vehicle on Meadowbrook Drive. Officer arrived and observed a truck with the front wheel detached from the hub. Power tools and a cut lock were located on the front seat of the vehicle. The storage unit victim identified the tools as her and her key fit the lock.
On Monday, Mountain Home Police officers were advised of a theft from Walker’s Auction. Video surveillance on June 19th allegedly captures Elling taking a took box between 11:00 p.m. and midnight. Other items were also reported missing.
Also on Monday, a second individual contacted Mountain Home Police advising Elling had allegedly stored property in her garage she suspected was stolen. The property included a tool box identified as stolen from Walker’s Auction.
The following day, Elling is alleged to have stolen a new pair of boots from a local retailer. Video surveillance reportedly shows Elling pick up a pair of cutters from the tool aisle and cut the anti-theft device off the boots. He allegedly put the new boots on and left the store, leaving his old shoes and socks in the store.
On Wednesday, Mountain Home Police were advised of a theft and damage at a Mountain Home storage facility. The complainant told officers his chain link fence was cut, allowing entry to the facility. Once inside, the suspect damaged three campers by smashing the windows and prying the doors. Four storage unit were broken into. It appeared a cutting tool had been used to gain access.
Video surveillance cameras were stolen by the suspect. Investigators were able to obtain a foot print from a storage unit and match it to Elling’s shoe.
Later on Wednesday, police learned of a stolen vehicle from a Mountain Home business. When officers arrived at the location where the vehicle was stolen, they found a truck Elling had been driving. Inside the truck was the video surveillance equipment reported stolen from the storage facility.
A short time later, the stolen vehicle was located and Elling was taken into custody.
On Thursday, police received a report of a break-in at a Mountain Home storage unit. The complainant advised she believes entry was made between June 1st and June 27th, with a cedar chest reported missing from the unit.
Elling has been charged with nine counts of breaking or entering, theft of a motor vehicle, three counts of criminal mischief, all felonies, along with three misdemeanor counts of theft of property.
His bond was set at $10,000, and he is set to appear in Baxter County Circuit Court in July.
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