RPD catches hospital burglar

Officers at the Russellville Police Department were able to connect two burglaries and apprehend the suspect the night of Oct. 7.

According to Sgt. Jake Tompkins, the RPD received a call about 10 p.m. from the security guard at the Russellville Hospital who reported hearing noises coming from the ceiling.

When officers arrived on the scene, they entered the storage room, where they got their first glimpse of the suspect.

“We actually saw him climbing up into the ceiling,” Tompkins said.

Officers then notified Franklin County investigators, who arrived shortly, Tompkins said.

Tompkins said officers next spotted the suspect on the roof, just before he jumped off the roof and a foot chase ensued.

“We were able to catch him with the help of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office,” Tompkins said.

The suspect was Jared Chase Dollar, 31, of Russellville. Officers said they believe Dollar was attempting to steal prescription drugs from the hospital.

A box of stolen items was found in the storage room that officers were able to connect to a separate burglary incident earlier that evening.

“A woman called and reported that her home had been broken into. When we got there, she confirmed that the items we found in Dollar’s possession were hers,” Tompkins said.

Officers also found Dollar’s vehicle broken down near the woman’s residence.

Tompkins said Dollar has been charged with burglary second degree, attempted theft second degree, criminal mischief first degree, attempting to elude, resisting arrest, illegal possession of prescription medication, burglary third degree, two counts of theft fourth degree and possession of burglar’s tools.

Dollar is being held at the Franklin County jail without bond; these charges are a violation of his parole from a previous conviction.