Rockford Man Charged in Broadway Tobacco Store Burglary

Rockford Police have arrested a man after investigating a burglary on the city's southeast side that occurred in the early morning hours of May 6.

Early Morning Break-In on Broadway

According to a Rockford PD press release, officers responded to an alarm at H&A Tobacco and Discount at 1623 Broadway around 4:30 am on Tuesday (5/6).

When law enforcement arrived on the scene, they discovered that the front door of the business had been forced open and that the cash register was missing.

Investigation Leads to Arrest

Rockford Police Detectives launched an investigation following the break-in on Broadway and began reviewing video surveillance footage and other evidence.

Detectives were able to identify 49-year-old Anton Ballard of Rockford in a video and named him the primary suspect in the case.

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Ballard was taken into custody on May 7 by Rockford Police patrol officers on an unrelated warrant and was booked into the Winnebago County Jail.

Charges Filed by State's Attorney

Following a review of all the details in this case, the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office authorized burglary charges against Ballard, who, according to the report, remains in custody.

Police have not disclosed any information about the stolen cash register being recovered, and the investigation remains active, according to Rockford PD.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is urged to contact Rockford Police or to remain anonymous, leave a tip with Rockford Area Crime Stoppers.

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