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Covington man caught in smash-and-grab burglary at Dunkin Donuts
MUG-Brank-Charles-Richard

A smash-and-grab robber who has been hitting businesses in Rockdale and Newton counties since March 23 has been caught, thanks to the quick action of a Rockdale County Sheriff's Office deputy.

Around 11 p.m. on Wednesday, RCSO Deputy Michael Stephens spotted a gray 2003 Ford Taurus at the Dunkin' Donuts located at 1890 Highway 20 in Conyers.

When Deputy Stephens pulled in to check the business, the front glass door was shattered and the suspect was still inside.

Deputy Stephens was able to take the suspect into custody without resistance.

The suspect has been identified as Charles Richard Brank, 49, of Covington.

Brank is facing multiple charges of Burglary from three different agencies: the Conyers Police Department, Newton County Sheriff's Office and Rockdale County Sheriff's Office. He is currently being held in the Rockdale County Jail.

Brank was previously convicted and sentenced for Burglary in Rockdale County in 2008.

Last week, a Dunkin' Donuts, two Subway restaurants on 138 and Brown Bridge, and a heating and air business in Newton County were struck by throwing rocks through the glass doors or windows and then stealing cash and other items from inside the businesses.

The suspect who struck the Dunkin Donuts on Salem Road was described last week as a white male driving a gray or silver Ford Taurus.

Sheriff Eric J. Levett commended Deputy Stephens for his apprehension of the suspect, as well as the other deputies and officers from all three agencies - RCSO, Conyers Police Departmen