Detectives with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office have made an arrest in a weekend burglary at a South Hall convenience store. Christian Tyler Gibbs, 30, of Flowery Branch, a former employee of the store, is charged with the crime.
The break-in was reported Sunday morning by a clerk at the Friendship Road store in Flowery Branch. According to the preliminary investigation, the clerk discovered a shattered rear door upon opening the business and found a brick on the ground outside, sheriff’s office spokeswoman B.J. Williams said. Two display cases inside the store had also been tampered with, Williams added.
A review of security camera footage by investigators showed a man entering the rear of the business shortly before 3:30 a.m. Sunday. The suspect, later identified as Gibbs, allegedly stole several bottles of kratom, multiple vape products and $40 in cash that had been left on top of the store’s register.
The store manager identified Gibbs as the suspect, telling investigators that Gibbs had previously worked at the store for a brief period before being fired.
Authorities estimated the retail value of the stolen merchandise at just over $650. Damage to the business was put at more than $5,500.