Break-in suspect in custody after police pursuit, crash

A man is facing charges after break-ins at several small businesses in Jefferson County, according to a release from the sheriff’s office.

The release said the office received a tip about a man breaking into a vending machine at a business. After receiving surveillance video, the suspect was identified as Jeffery Curtis Taylor, 36.

The release said that just after 11 a.m., deputies spotted Taylor driving a black Ford Ranger with no license plate in the area of Sorrells Road and Culp Road. Deputies tried to stop the vehicle but the driver fled, leading to a pursuit. The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed into woods at Sorrells Road and Augusta Drive. After the crash, Taylor tried to run off but was apprehended by a police dog, according to the release.

Taylor is charged with several counts of breaking and entering; criminal mischief in the first degree; fleeing; resisting arrest; suspended licenses and no vehicle licenses. According to the release, he is also suspected of crimes in other counties and more charges may be pending in those counties.

“Crime - burglary, robbery, vandalism, shoplifting and fraud - costs businesses billions of dollars each year and can be devastating to small businesses, who lose both customers and employees when crime and fear claim a neighborhood,” said Sheriff Lafayette Woods. “I want to give special credit and thanks to the deputies who worked diligently to track down and apprehend this suspect.”

Taylor was in custody at the Jefferson County jail as of Thursday night, according to the online inmate roster.