Asheville police crack case of Merrimon smash-and-grab burgler

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Asheville Police Department press release here:

ASHEVILLE – Detectives have charged a man in a string of break-ins that have occurred over the past several weeks along the Merrimon Avenue corridor.

Kale Allen Martin, birth date 8/2/1987, of Asheville, was charged with 38 felony counts of Breaking and Entering and Larceny after Breaking and Entering.   

Officers have been conducting special operations and directed patrols in that area of Asheville and located Mr. Martin after studying surveillance video.

A portion of the video contained footage of a 1992 Toyota Tercel, which officers early this morning (Dec. 14) determined to be linked to the crimes.

 A Criminal Investigations Division detective searched for and located the car this afternoon.

Police then executed a search warrant at Mr. Martin’s apartment on Coleman Avenue and seized evidence related to other crimes along the corridor.

He was placed in the Buncombe County Detention Center this evening under a $110,000 bond.

Mr. Martin has been charged with breaking into the following businesses, and some of his activity dates back to 2008.

Police spent several hours today interviewing him, processing evidence and issuing the warrants. More charges are possible, pending further investigation.

 

2008:

Fisherman’s Quarters Seafood

Asaka

 El Paraiso Restaurant

 El Chapala Restaurant

 Province 620

 China Wok

 Frank’s Roman Pizza 

 

2010:

China Wok

Honey Baked Ham

 El-Chapala located

 Beans and Berries

 Sisters McMullen

 Luella’s BBQ

 Noi’s Thai Kitchen

 Rise N Shine Café

 Circle on the Square

 Express Lane

 Ultimate Ice Cream