CONWAY – Conway Police Chief Billy Duke hopes a rash of burglaries in the area will cease after a recent arrest here.

According to Duke, on Feb. 21 Robert D. Blythe, 25 of 415 South Church Street in Conway, was taken into custody in connection with a burglary of a local business.

Duke said while on morning patrol in the Main Street vicinity he came upon Blythe walking. Duke took Blythe’s meandering as suspicious as it was 6 a.m.

“All of our businesses were closed at the time,” he said.

When Duke attempted to ask the suspect what his name was, Blythe took off running. Upon Duke losing sight of Blythe, a K-9 unit from Odom Prison in Jackson was dispatched to assist in the search.

Duke said the bloodhound was able to track Blythe to his residence on Church Street.

Meanwhile, at around 7 a.m. a burglary at Vann’s Variety Store on Main Street was discovered. Blythe allegedly stole rolls of quarters, nickels and dimes from the business as well as business checks.

Blythe was charged with felony breaking and entering and larceny. He was placed in the Northampton County Jail under a $30,000 bond. Blythe’s first appearance in court was on Monday.

Duke said Conway has experienced five breaking and enterings (including the Feb. 21 incident) in the past three weeks.

Duke said four of those break ins are still being investigated and the amount of the crimes are “very unusual” for the town. He continued by saying he hoped the recent arrest would help to stop the recent break ins.

Duke urged citizens not to hesitate in reporting suspicious activity to the police department.

“Our citizens are our eyes and ears and we appreciate any tips,” he said.