The Knox City Police Department officers were called to Advance Auto Parts in Knox Wednesday, January 8 after receiving a call about a man throwing a rock through the window of the business.
Police say an African American man with red shoes was standing to the front of the store when officers arrived at the scene on South Heaton Street. The officer also noticed that a large windowpane was shattered in front of the store. The man, later identified as 26-year-old Julius Thomas, of South Bend, had another rock in his pocket, according to the report.
Police say the store manager stated that he saw Thomas walking in front of the store and he threw the rock through the window. Thomas was never in the store, according to the report.
The report also states that a rock and shattered glass were observed inside the store.
When asked why Thomas threw the rock through the window, he allegedly told police that he was cold and wanted to go back to jail.
Thomas was arrested and taken to the Starke County Justice Center where he was booked on a preliminary charge of criminal mischief.
Formal charges will be determined by the Starke County Prosecutor’s Office.
Suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
