On March 11, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office responded to and investigated a burglary at the BP gas station located at 3501 Salem Road. Responding deputies and NCSO investigators were able to obtain store video which showed a black male in a silver vehicle make entry into the store.

NCSO investigators provided the pictures of the suspect and vehicle to local media for assistance in the case. On May 21, at approximately 2 p.m., while in the parking lot of Kroger on Salem Road, an off-duty NCSO deputy observed a vehicle and subject that matched the description of the suspect vehicle that was used in the March 11 store burglary.

NCSO Lt. Tyrone Oliver was able to contact additional patrol deputies who responded to the area. The off-duty Lieutenant followed the suspect until responding units were able to make contact with the suspicious male. Deputies were able to make contact with the individual and NCSO investigators have been able to determine that this subject was involved in the burglary at the BP station, as well as an additional burglary on March 8 at the Shell Station at 3633 B Salem Road.

Abunaim Ali, 52, of Covington has been arrested in the case and charged with two counts of burglary.