The Spruce Pine Police Department responded to the Valero on US19E around 4:25 am on August 30th in reference to a reported breaking and entering in progress. Mitchell County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived on scene moments later and began searching the area for the suspect. Officers observed that someone was attempting to gain entry to the Valero by removing an exterior oven vent on the side of the building. A pair of bolt cutters and a large pry bar were left lying in the grass near the scene of the crime. A black Harley-Davidson motorcycle was also found abandoned on Cabin Road near the Valero. A backpack and other items were found in the ditch line at Cabin Road. Through surveillance videos and items found at the crime scene, officers identified the suspect as Brian Mitchem from Statesville, NC. The identification of Mitchem led to additional felony charges in both Wilkes and Watauga counties for breaking or entering, larcenies and other crimes. Mitchem was charged with Felony Attempted Breaking or Entering, Felony Possession of Burglary Tools and Injury to Real Property.
