WEATHERFORD - Sheriff’s deputies responded to a burglary call late last week in the 100 block of South FM 1187 in Aledo around 1:30 a.m. Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler said the front door to the Midway Food Store had been broken.
Deputies searched the building but did not discover any suspects. Deputies did find that the thieves had stolen numerous packs of cigars and cigarettes, a cash register and burglarized a coin vending machine.
While still on scene, deputies were notified around 3 a.m. by dispatchers that two suspects were being detained by other patrol deputies at another location in the 11000 block of FM 730 near Flat Rock Road in Weatherford.
The owner of JD’s Food Store reported he caught the two suspects attempting to burglarize the store and held them at gunpoint until deputies arrived on scene. Deputies and investigators believe the same suspects are responsible for both crimes. The suspects were caught with a large sum of cash and numerous packs of cigarettes and cigars as the same brands of the ones stolen from the earlier burglary. Deputies reported both men were wearing gloves.
Deputies discovered a laundry basket filled with cigarettes, which the owner stated was not his basket. Deputies also found a crowbar, about $200 in rolled coins, face masks and gloves.
The store owner reported he was sleeping in a storage room of the facility when he heard the glass shatter. He then reported he grabbed a shotgun and went to investigate the noise.
As he entered the store, he discovered the suspects which deputies identified as Kevin Wayne Morgan, 21, and Bryan Patrick Grottalio, 24. The owner reported he had the men lay face-down on the ground while he dialed 9-1-1 and waited for deputies to arrive. Deputies reported one of the suspects implicated themselves in the crimes, saying both men had burglarized the two stores.
As of Monday, Grottalio remained in jail on a $7,500 bond. Morgan was released later that same afternoon on a $7,500 bond.
