BROWNVILLE – Two Robinson Mobil Mart employees frightened off a local man who had broken into the store early Saturday when they arrived at 4 a.m. to open the business, according to police.

Ryan McCormick, 25, was arrested and charged with burglary, theft, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a useable amount of marijuana in connection with the break-in.

McCormick had broken a window and a screen to gain entry into the building, according to Brownville Police Chief Nick Clukey. He said McCormick heard a vehicle pull up and he fled the area. The female employees who spotted McCormick, ran into the building, locked the door and called police, he said. While they were inside, McCormick returned, entered the store and started grabbing items, the employees told police.

Clukey said McCormick fled the area again as Officers Kyle Wilson and Chad Perkins arrived. He said the store employees identified McCormick and a search ensued. McCormick was found crouched behind a neighboring business, Clukey said. The items taken from the store included cigars, chewing tobacco and cigarettes, and they were in McCormick’s possession, police said.

McCormick was taken to jail and bail was set at $2,500 cash. He was unable to make bail by Sunday afternoon, and his initial court appearance is scheduled for July 28 at 13th District Court.

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