2 face burglary, theft charges after store break-ins for cigarettes

An Indianapolis man broke out a Phillips 66 convenience store window and began stealing cartons of cigarettes early today, police said.

Police were nearby -- they've been frequenting the area after three previous thefts -- and quickly arrested Cole without incident about 12:30 a.m. at the store, 10400 N. Michigan Road.

Suspected getaway driver Carroll Walton, 53, Indianapolis, took off at a high rate of speed, and police pursued and pulled him about a mile away, said Carmel Police Department Lt. Jeff Horner.

The two were taken to the Hamilton County jail in Noblesville. Cole was preliminarily charged with three felony counts each of burglary and theft and held in lieu of $50,000 bond.

Walton remained held on two counts each of theft and burglary as well as counts of reckless driving, resisting law enforcement and driving while suspended with a prior convention. He's being held in lieu of $37,500 bond.

Surveillance footage from the store, police said, show the pair is responsible for at least two of the other robberies.

Horner didn't know if the two were later selling the cartons or just really needed a smoke.

"They were both pretty tight-lipped when they were brought in," Horner said.